Mobile network shutdown to hit customers – check if you are affected

A major network is down some of its services, which could leave some customers unable to use data. Virgin Media O2 is turning off its 3G signal, following moves from other firms to gradually phase out the technology, which 4 G and 5G have superseded.

The company said the winding down of its 3G services would be rolled out in stages over the year, though customers in the city of Durham will be the first to see the plug pulled, from this month. The switch off will then continue for the rest of UK through the year. GiffGaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Lyca Mobile customers will also be affected by the shutdown as the firms all use O2‘s network.

Older phones and smartphones will be affected, Virgin Media O2 previously said it was in touch with certain customers over what they needed to do to stay connected to internet data.

Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s chief technology officer, previously said: “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,” she added.

Those identified as “vulnerable”, are being provided a 4G-ready device free of charge, while others who don’t have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a low cost.

Virgin Media O2 customers in Durham unable to replace their handsets for 3G is switched off will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but won’t be able to use data.

The firm also assured customers they could still contact the emergency services using 3G, adding: “All network operators take necessary measures to ensure their continuity.”

According to the O2 website, customers unsure of whether they’re affected should:

• Check your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G Calling.
• If you already have a compatible device, make sure you enable WiFi and 4G Calling so you have the best experience when we switch off 3G. 
• If you don’t have a Wifi and 4G Calling compatible device, you’ll need to change, you’ll need to change or upgrade your device.  Sign in to My O2 for your upgrade options.

In a joint statement with the Government released in 2021, the big four networks—O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three—announced plans to switch off both 2G and 3G signals by 2033 at the latest. 

O2 is the last of the four big networks to turn off 3G after the other three have completed their switch-off process over the past few years. In addition, it released a list of devices that will not work following the 3G switch-off.

Affected devices

iPhone​

Apple iPhone 1 Generation, Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 3GS, Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S​

Samsung​

Samsung ZV60, Samsung Binou, Samsung GT-C3592, Samsung SGH-X830, Samsung BEAT S, Samsung Galaxy Fame, Samsung SGH-E630, Samsung SGH-J600, Samsung SLIDER, Samsung BEAT DJ, Samsung Armani, Samsung Marvel, Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, Samsung GT-E2100B, Samsung SGH-F110, Samsung Galaxy Ace 3​

Sony​

Sony Ericsson WT13I, Sony Ericsson W705, Sony Ericsson Rachael, Sony Ericsson T650I, Sony Ericsson VIVAZ PRO, Sony Ericsson W715, Sony Xperia M2, Sony Ericsson W700I, Sony Ericsson W580C, Sony Ericsson W760I, Sony Xperia Z2, Sony Xperia L, Sony Xperia E​

Oneplus​

Oneplus One, Oneplus 2, Oneplus X​

LG​

LG Calisto, LG Pop, LG Prada, LG Town, LG Cookie Lite, LG A140, LG A133, LG G5400, LG Viewty Smart, LG KF600, LG KF700, LG Optimus Chat, LG L40, LG KE500, LG L343I, LG X Screen, LG KF310, LG New Chocolate, LG KG130, LG G1600​

Doro​

Doro 6620, Doro 1380, Doro 2404, Doro 6521, Doro 6040, Doro PRIMO 805, Doro 1370, Doro PHONEEASY 612, Doro 6520, Doro 6530, Doro PRIMO 401, Doro 2424, Doro 6051, Doro LIBERTO 810​

Google​

Google Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4, Google Nexus S, Google ONE M8 Google PLAY EDITION, Google Nexus 5, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus ONE​

Xiaomi​

Xiaomi MI A1, Xiaomi MI 3, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro, Xiaomi MI 5C, Xiaomi Redmi, Xiaomi Redmi 1S, Xiaomi MI 1S, Xiaomi MI 4 LTE​

OPPO

OPPO N1T, R7 Plus F, Find 7 Mini, A113K, R7, Find 7A, Joy,  R7 Plus, R7S, 1107, A125​

Huawei​

Huawei U8660, Huawei Honor 6X, Huawei Ascend G620S, Huawei G7300, Huawei Ideos X1, Huawei Honor 7, Huawei HONOR G Play, Huawei P8, Huawei U8850, Huawei Ascend G7, Huawei U5110, Huawei Ascend Y300, Huawei Honor, Huawei Sonic, Huawei Honor 5X, Huawei Ascend G510, Huawei Ascend P6​

Motorola​

Motorola MOTO E, Motorola EM30, Motorola Motokey Social, Motorola Flipout, Motorola Rokr E8, Motorola WX160, Motorola Razr2 V8, Motorola MOTOLUXE, Motorola V171, Motorola T722I, Motorola RAZR I, Motorola E365, Motorola ES405B, Motorola M930, Motorola Z6, Motorola EX211, Motorola M3588, Motorola STARTAC 130, Motorola V975, Motorola C118V

Nokia