O2 Reminds Durham Over Start of UK 3G Mobile Switch Off in April 2025

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today issued a reminder about how they intend to start switching off their old 3G mobile (broadband) services across the United Kingdom from next month, which is a process that will start in the city (NOT county) of Durham and should complete nationally by the end of 2025.

The first switch-off in Durham will help to inform O2’s wider withdrawal programme. The process also aims to free up radio spectrum so it can be used to further improve the network coverage and mobile broadband speeds of their modern 4G and 5G networks (O2 said they’d already upgraded masts in the city ahead of the switch-off and more improvements are planned). The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.

The switch-off means that, from 2nd April 2025, customers of O2 will require a 4G SIM and handset to continue using mobile data. But they aren’t switching 2G services off yet, which means that affected customers will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do, at least for now – O2 will start shifting customers off 2G during 2025 too, but they won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years (here).

The operator added that they’ve already contacted customers who have recently been in Durham to provide further information and support. Known vulnerable customers have also been contacted with an offer of a 4G-ready device “free of charge“, while all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM have been offered a new device at a reduced price.

VMO2 said they were working closely with Age UK County Durham to raise awareness of the switch-off and encourage those who will be impacted to take action. An informative leaflet has been produced to be delivered to local community venues, while the charity is also including information about the 3G switch off across its website and social media, and its staff and volunteers are educating customers during digital support home visits.

Jeanie York, VMO2’s Chief Technology Officer, said:

“Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers.

By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.

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.”

Customers of O2’s virtual network operators (MVNO), such as Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and giffgaff, will also be impacted by the switch off and are being contacted directly by their providers.