Users of older phones connected to the O2 network have been advised to upgrade promptly. O2, now part of Virgin Media, has issued a final alert indicating the imminent shutdown of its 3G signal this year, in line with other major providers like EE and Vodafone.
O2 confirmed that although pockets of 3G signal may linger into early 2026, the network will ultimately cease to operate. Individuals still reliant on 3G technology will lose access to internet services and apps such as WhatsApp outside of Wi-Fi zones once the transition is complete.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the progression towards faster, more dependable 4G and 5G networks, rendering 3G outdated in the current digital landscape.
The switch-off of 3G, affecting a small percentage of users, is part of an industry-wide transition towards enhanced network capabilities. O2 has notified those impacted and encouraged them to upgrade to modern devices supporting 4G or 5G connectivity to prevent service disruptions.
The decision to retire 3G stems from its inability to meet current data demands effectively. With its discontinuation, more bandwidth will be available for improved 4G and 5G services, offering users faster speeds and enhanced performance.
In light of declining 3G usage and the shift towards advanced technologies, the mobile industry opted to phase out 3G networks, reallocating spectrum to optimize customer experiences with faster data speeds and superior connectivity.
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