Virgin Media O2 has announced it will begin switching off its 3G network in April, starting with Durham as the first affected area. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to invest in faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks.
The telecoms provider confirmed the shutdown on its website, stating:
“3G has been superseded by 4G and 5G networks over recent years, with the 3G network carrying less and less traffic. By focusing our investment on 4G and 5G, we’ll be able to further expand and upgrade services. And it means you’ll be able to benefit from quicker download speeds and higher quality voice calls.”
Older Phones at Risk of Losing Internet Access
The switch-off will only affect older devices and SIM cards that do not support 4G or 5G connectivity. Those customers still using 3G-only phones may find themselves unable to access mobile internet, with limited ability to make calls or send texts via the slower 2G network.
