MILLIONS of Brits have been warned to check their mobile device as they could lose access to data very soon.
The change is coming to O2, but it will affect other operators that use the network too, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
O2 is starting to switch off its 3G network this year in favour of faster 4G and 5G services.
Rivals Three, Vodafone and EE have already shutdown their 3G tech.
For most people with a modern smartphone from the last few years it won’t make any difference.
But if you happen to own an older phone that’s not 4G or 5G capable it means you will no longer be able to access data even though you’re paying for it.
It will still be possible to access the internet via Wi-Fi.
Calls and texts will still be possible as 2G is staying put.
One in twenty mobile customers are unaware if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, according to a USwitch poll of 2,000 O2, Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile users.
“The 3G switch-off, which began last year, is a crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks, offering significantly faster and more reliable connectivity than 3G,” explains Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com.
“While the majority of customers do have a 4G or 5G compatible phone, there will still be a proportion of customers with older devices who will need to upgrade this year.
“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.”
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson told The Sun: “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.”
New phones you buy today are at the very least capable of using 4G, but the vast majority are 5G ready too.
If you’re unsure whether you’re affected by the move, there is a trick to check.
Go into your phone’s settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.
In 2023, EE revealed to The Sun some of the affected devices that were still in use – though this list isn’t definitive.
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off.
There wasn’t much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G.
So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small.
Just because it may be a small figure doesn’t mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they’re not very tech-savvy or vulnerable.
So definitely look out for support communications from O2 – and speak to them if you’re unsure.
