The provider is the final company to turn off its 3G mobile data service, following last year’s changes by Vodafone, Three and EE.
As well as O2’s own customers, it will also impact customers of Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Giffgaff, which use O2’s network to operate.
There are three million users of those companies who do not know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, data from Uswitch.com finds.
With 1.3 million customers with a 3G handset, the comparison site found it leaves over four million customers facing 2025 with a phone that has no internet. While data will disappear from older handsets that use 3G, calls and texts will still continue to work without the need for data.
Handsets that use 3G mobile phone data include the iPhone 3GS and the rebooted Nokia 3310.
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Meanwhile, with data vital for messaging services like WhatsApp, customers have been urged to prepare themselves to upgrade their handset for the switch over to 4G and 5G data.
In response to the study, a Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “The switch-off of the 3G network – agreed by industry and the Government in 2021 and already completed by other network operators – will allow us to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ experience with faster speeds, more reliable streaming and higher-quality voice calls.
“The vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted or need to take any action as a result of the 3G switch off. Nonetheless, our priority will be to provide support to those who will be impacted to ensure they stay connected, and we’ll contact these customers directly.”
The move to the faster internet speeds of the fourth- and fifth-generation mobile data was initially intended to be phased out by 2033, but the process has itself picked up pace.
If you are unsure whether you have 4G or 5G data, there are checks on your phone to show you.
How to check if you’re connected
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “If you’re still using an older phone, you can check your device’s 4G and 5G compatibility by looking for ‘Network Mode’ or ‘Preferred Network’ under ‘Network’ or ‘Mobile Data’ in your settings. If you see 4G or 5G, your phone is compatible.
“If you do need to upgrade, there are plenty of affordable options out there, and it may be worth looking into a refurbished device if you’re not looking for the latest launches and don’t want a costly upgrade.”
Doku added: “It’s also worth running a coverage check for your area – Ofcom has one on its website – especially if you live rurally and have previously relied on 3G. Most of the country has strong 4G or 5G coverage, but it’s always a good idea to check which networks have the best coverage in the places you frequent most.
“The 3G switch-off is an important step in moving us towards a faster and more reliable service, but consumers must be fully aware of their network plans and how it might impact their device.”
