Urgent warning 3G to be switched off mobile phones as thousands of Brits to lose service

An urgent warning is being issued to customers with after a popular network provider confirmed it the service will be switched off.

has revealed it will be joining the other major networks in closing down the 3G service, which will leave Brits with no data access on their phones. O2 is one of the last network providers to carry out the work, following an agreement with the Government back in 2021. The UK's four main network providers said it will mean faster 4G and 5G services for consumers.

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Customers who use O2's network, such as Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile will also be affected if they are using 3G. Customers whose devices are solely 3G enabled will lose access to data, which means no internet, or any app that requires you to be online, unless you're connected to a WI-Fi connection. However, you still will be able to make emergency calls.

Virgin Media O2 has already switched off 3G in Durham but the company has now confirmed Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have 3G withdrawn on July 16. Torquay will also follow on August 4.

According to 02's website the 3G switch off will continue across the UK throughout the year.

It said: "Like other networks in the UK and abroad, we're switching off our 3G network so that we can focus on our faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks.

"Our full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year."

What to check before the big switch-off

• Check your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G Calling.

• If you already have a compatible device, make sure you enable WiFi and 4G Calling so you have the best experience when we switch off 3G. You’ll find all the information you need on O2's WiFi and 4G Calling page

• If you don’t have a Wifi and 4G Calling compatible device, you’ll need to change, you’ll need to change or upgrade your device. Sign in to My O2 for your upgrade options.