Virgin Media O2 has issued a final warning to customers as it gets set to complete its 3G switch-off over the coming weeks.
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.
Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said: "We’re now more connected than ever before thanks to the significant investments made by mobile network operators like Virgin Media O2 in faster, more reliable 4G and 5G networks.
"It’s therefore not a surprise that 3G is increasingly a relic of a bygone era.
"It was built to support basic web browsing – not to power the high bandwidth activities like zoom calls, video streaming or browsing pictures on social media that people increasingly expect to do seamlessly on the go.
Ms York said: "Our 3G network has already been withdrawn across many UK locations, with the final areas set to follow shortly.
"You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely, so I’d like to take this opportunity to urge anybody who is still using a 3G-only handset to please visit your local store, or call us, to upgrade as soon as possible."
"Anyone who doesn’t upgrade before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make calls and send text messages as they do today, but they won’t be able 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 the 3G network soon to be switched off entirely, customers are being advised to check if their device is 4G or 5G compatible and, if not, "upgrade as soon as possible".
Ms York continued: "We know that the majority of our customers, and those of giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile which use our network, already have a 4G or 5G device and don’t have to take any action as a result of 3G being withdrawn.
"Our number one priority, however, is supporting those customers who do need to upgrade to a compatible device.
"That’s why we’ve been writing directly to all of these customers, offering heavy discounts on replacement phones and entirely free upgrades for those we know are vulnerable."
