Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch-off in the coming days, which could leave some mobile phone users in the UK without internet.
The UK's major mobile providers, including Vodafone, EE and Three, have been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government in 2021.
Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks.
Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.
It continued in July, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in Norwich, Telford, and Guildford.
Torquay had its 3G service switched off at the start of August, while Watford was the last area impacted in September.
Now, Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch-off in Scotland next week.
The switch-off in Scotland will begin in the east of the country, including Aberdeen and Dundee, on Wednesday, November 5.
We’re switching off our 3G services in Scotland from November.
This is part of our plan to deliver faster & more reliable 4G & 5G connectivity. We are directly contacting all customers currently without a compatible device.
�� Press release: https://t.co/6wdxTuop40 pic.twitter.com/bgrtKFvpbe
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) September 29, 2025
Virgin Media O2 plans on shutting down its entire 3G network across the UK by the end of 2025.
Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said: "We’re fast approaching the end of 2025 and 3G will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks that give our customers a better experience.
“We have already successfully withdrawn 3G in a number of UK locations, and in November we’ll be turning our attention to large areas of Scotland.
"We know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and will not have to take any action, and we’re writing directly to those who will be impacted to provide guidance and support.
“While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Scotland are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off, so please do take action if you need to.”
The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:
Giffgaff
Sky Mobile
Tesco Mobile
'You'll struggle to do even the basics' - Virgin Media O2 customers issued upgrade warning
Virgin Media O2 customers still using 3G devices or SIMs, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch-off takes place in their area.
Any customers who don’t upgrade to 4G or 5G before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data.
Virgin Media O2 said the "vast majority" of its customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take action as a result of the switch-off.
However, with all 3G services in the UK to be withdrawn by the end of the year, customers are being advised, regardless of where they live, to check if their device is 4G or 5G compatible and, if not, "upgrade as soon as possible".
Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge.
Virgin Media O2 is also working with Age UK to distribute content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off.
All other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle , which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone.
Devices affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch-off
If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, there is a way to check.
