Durham will be the first location to lose Virgin Media 3G coverage in the company’s transition toward more reliable 4G and 5G announced in 2023.
Vodafone, Three, and EE have already completed the switch-off, with O2 the last mobile network operator left to turn its 3G network off.
The switch-off is expected to have minimal impact on most customers, as the vast majority already use 4G or 5G devices. Virgin Media O2 is contacting customers in Durham who rely on 3G-only devices, advising them to upgrade to 4G-compatible SIMs and handsets to continue using mobile data services.
Virgin Media O2’s 3G network is more than 20 years old and now accounts for less than three per cent of total data usage. Following an industry-wide agreement in 2021, the switch-off enables mobile operators to focus resources on next-generation networks. In Durham, the company has upgraded 4G and 5G masts over the past year, with additional enhancements scheduled for 2025.
Free 4G devices are being offered vulnerable customers and there are discounted options for other affected users. Customers who choose not to upgrade will still be able to make voice calls and enjoy text messaging but will lose mobile data services after the 3G network is turned off.
The switch off is a pilot for Virgin Media O2’s broader 3G decommissioning programme. Insights from Durham will guide the rollout across other area. Virgin Media O2 is collaborating with consumer advocacy groups, including the Good Things Foundation, to ensure vulnerable individuals receive adequate support during the change.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, commented: “Switching off 3G is an important milestone in modernising our network. By reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G, we can provide faster data speeds, more reliable streaming, and higher-quality voice calls. Our priority is to minimise disruption, particularly for those still using 3G devices, by providing tailored support and effective communication.”
Customers using MVNO’s on the Virgin Media O2 network, including Tesco Mobile and giffgaff, will also be contacted to prepare for the switch-off.
According to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, almost three million O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Virgin and Sky Mobile customers don’t know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, and more than 1.3 million say they still use a 3G handset.[2]
This means over four million consumers could lose access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their devices or take the steps recommended by their providers.
Source: https://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/News/article/virgin-media-o2-begin-3g-switch-off-durham-april