A MAJOR mobile network has begun to switch off one of its oldest services, which could leave thousands of people without internet access.
O2 is turning off its 3G network from this month so it can focus on its other networks.
The change means people with older phones could be left without data access.
Some older phones are not able to run on 4G or 5G, which means these customers could be left without internet access when they are out and about.
These customers will only be able to access the internet when they are connected to WiFi.
Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile customers will also be affected as these networks rely on O2’s network .
The switch off began on April 2 in and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year.
O2 is the last of the four major networks to turn off its 3G network, as part of an initiative agreed with the Government in 2021.
The 3G network has been around since 2003 and is used to deliver calls, texts and lower speed data services.
It is being turned off to make room for more advanced 4G and 5G services, which are better, faster and more reliable.
Every provider has its own timetable for when it will switch off its 3G network.
and EE completed their switch-offs in early 2024.
Three has switched off its 3G network across most of the UK.
Meanwhile, O2 will switch off its 3G network this year.
All other major UK mobile companies provide their services using these networks.
These services provide networks to the following companies:
- Vodafone network – Lebara Mobile, Asda Mobile, Talk Mobile and VOXI
- EE network – Your Co-op, 1p Mobile, Utility Warehouse, Ecotalk, Lycamobile and BT Mobile
- Three network – iD Mobile and Smarty, Freedompop and Superdrug Mobile
- O2 network – Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, and Sky Mobile
How will I know if I am affected?
Your provider will let you know if you are affected and if there are any steps you need to take.
You may also need to check your device settings to see if it has WiFi and 4G enabled.
To do this, go to your device settings and search for “mobile networks”; or “mobile data”;.
If you do not have a device that is compatible with WiFi and 4G, then you will need to change or upgrade your device.
O2 has offered vulnerable customers in Durham 4G-ready devices free of charge.
Meanwhile, customers who do not have a 4G handset or SIM have been offered a new device at a reduced price.
Any Durham customers who have not upgraded to a 4G or 5G device will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages for now.
But they will not be able to use mobile data and will need to upgrade later this year.
If you are buying a device then make sure it supports 4G if you want to use it to access mobile data services.
Emergency devices
Some devices, such as security alarms, care alarms and payment terminals, may also use 3G networks.
If you have one of these devices then you may need to upgrade it or ensure it still works after the 3G networks are switched off.
You can check with your device supplier or service provider to find out if your device will be affected.
If you have an older device you may not receive emergency alerts.
These were launched in the UK in 2023.
During an emergency mobile phone masts in the nearby area can broadcast an alert using all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK.
This will warn people if there is a danger to life nearby and give people advice on how to stay safe.
This can include severe flooding, fires and extreme .
Phones that cannot connect to 4G and 5G networks will not get these emergency alerts.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
