Mobile giant O2 has confirmed it is finally pulling the plug on its 3G network, describing the technology as a relic from a past era. The service, which has been running for two decades, will be completely switched off, prompting a final warning to millions of customers across the UK.
The End of an Era for Mobile Data
The company announced that its 3G network will be fully decommissioned. This move follows a government agreement made in 2021 under the Conservative administration to withdraw legacy 3G networks nationwide. Today, 3G accounts for less than 2% of all mobile data traffic on O2's network, highlighting its dwindling use in the age of 4G and 5G.
O2 states that reallocating the valuable mobile spectrum from 3G to newer 4G and 5G services will significantly improve the customer experience. Benefits are expected to include:
- Faster mobile data speeds.
- More reliable video and music streaming.
- Higher quality voice calls.
Support and Urgent Warnings for Customers
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, addressed the change. She confirmed that the majority of customers on the O2 network, including those with giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, and Sky Mobile, already use 4G or 5G devices and need not take action.
"Our number one priority is supporting those customers who do need to upgrade to a compatible device," York stated. The company has been writing directly to affected customers, offering substantial discounts on new phones and entirely free upgrades for those identified as vulnerable.
"Many have already taken advantage of these offers and are now benefitting from easy-to-use devices they can count on for years to come," she added.
Final Switch-Off and Immediate Actions
York issued a clear timeline and warning: "Our 3G network has already been withdrawn across many UK locations, with the final areas set to follow shortly. You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely."
She urged anyone still using a 3G-only handset to visit their local store or call O2 to upgrade as soon as possible. The critical consequence for those who do not upgrade is the loss of mobile data access. Customers will still be able to make calls and send texts, but they will not be able to use mobile internet once 3G is off in their area.
This landmark shift marks the definitive end for a technology that once revolutionised mobile connectivity, paving the way for the faster, more robust networks of today.
