Virgin Media O2 to continue its 3G switch off in August

The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government back 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.

It's 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.

📡 Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch-off this April in Durham, marking a key milestone in our network evolution.

This move allows us to focus on faster, more reliable #4G and #5G services, delivering better connectivity for our customers. 🌐📱

Learn more here:… pic.twitter.com/JE1YXHkKnA

— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) January 13, 2025

It continued earlier this month, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in:

• Norwich
• Telford
• Guildford

Next up: Norwich, Telford, Guildford & Torquay.

This move frees up spectrum for faster, more reliable #4G & #5G – keeping our customers better connected.

📱 Read more: https://t.co/dAw44ovtL6 pic.twitter.com/5j1GBg58Rc

— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025

Next area impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off

Torquay will be the next area affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off, with the service set to be shut off on August 4.

The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said.

She added: “We’re switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience.

“Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year."

The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:

• Giffgaff
• Sky Mobile
• Tesco Mobile

Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off is set to continue in August. (Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2)

"You'll struggle to do even the basics" - Virgin Media O2 customers with 3G devices 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 a 4G or 5G device 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.

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider.

"You'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks.  

"You’ll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network."

Who is Martin Lewis?

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.

Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge.

While 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, don't worry, there is a way to check.

Visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.

If your phone/sim is on that list, you will be impacted by the switch-off and will need to change devices before it happens.

Devices on the list include:

Apple iPhone​

• iPhone 1 Generation
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 5S​

Samsung​

• ​Samsung ZV60
• Samsung Binou
• Samsung GT-C3592
• Samsung BEAT S
• Samsung Galaxy Fame
• Samsung SLIDER
• Samsung Galaxy Ace 3​​

Sony​

• Sony Ericsson WT13I
• Sony Ericsson W705
• Sony Xperia Z2
• Sony Xperia E​​

LG​

• LG Calisto
• LG Pop
• LG Prada
• LG New Chocolate
• LG G1600​​

Google​

• Google Galaxy Nexus
• Google Nexus ONE​​​

Motorola​

• Motorola MOTO E
• Motorola EM30
• Motorola Motokey Social
• Motorola C118V​​

RECOMMENDED READING:

• What happens when 3G is switched off? The devices affected and how to upgrade

• O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim

• BBC iPlayer to stop working on these TV boxes in the coming days - is yours one?

• WhatsApp users warned they could be banned from the app for doing this one thing

Nokia​

• Nokia 220
• Nokia 106.1
• Nokia Lumia 925
• Nokia 2330 Classic​

For the full list of devices affected or further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).