Tom Earnshaw
Brits may soon be left with phones that don't work and be forced into buying a new one due to a major change to technology and networks used in the United Kingdom.
Millions of people will be impacted, with the UK pushing ahead with a technology revolution based around modern ways of communicating.
It means that this year, we will be saying our goodbyes to the 3G mobile network.
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And once it is turned off, it means some phones will no longer be able to connect their calls or send messages to another person, meaning you'll have to fork out for a new one if you're impacted.
Telecommunications regulator Ofcom said the main reason for the 3G switch off is to free up the network for expanded 4G and 5G coverage, meaning those with devices accessing these should experience greater coverage. After all, we've all experienced those dead spots where signal disappears and our old mate 3G returns for the first time in a decade.
Those on a Vodafone network need not worry regarding 3G, with the service switching off it off back in February 2024.
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EE turned off its 3G in the same month, with Three also turning it off last year.
The changes in 2025 are relating to Virgin Media O2 customers.
But it goes further than that, with other providers using the O2 network for their services. In particular, we mean Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, and Sky Mobile.
Durham in the northeast of England will see 3G turned off on the O2 network in April 2025.
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Virgin Media, which is part of the same company as O2, said the switch-off in that city will be a 'key milestone' in its technological future.
The roll out will continue after that, but little is known about the specific regional switch-offs.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers.
“By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.
"While the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G-ready device, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to help them prepare. We will continue to support our customers as we complete the switch off of our 3G network."
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In what might seem like an odd move, 2G still exists despite 3G being phased out. The Government said the deadline for the death of 2G is 2033.
O2 network devices using 3G will switch to the 2G network when it is switched off.
There is caution around the move, with the Digital Poverty Alliance previously saying there would be 'detrimental effects' on those who lack the financial ability to access newer technology with 4G and 5G networks.