Virgin Media O2 Expand UK 3G Mobile Switch Off to Watford
Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today revealed that customers in the large Hertfordshire (England) town and borough of Watford will be the next UK location to go through their 3G mobile (broadband) switch-off programme on 17th September 2025. This follows completed withdrawals in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay.
The process, which is due to reach nationwide completion by the end of 2025, should free up radio spectrum so it can be used to further improve the coverage and mobile broadband speeds of their modern 4G and 5G networks. O2 noted how they had already upgraded masts in the new locations ahead of the switch-off. The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.
The switch-off means that customers in Watford, including those on O2’s virtual / MVNO operators (e.g. Sky Mobile, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile), will require at least a 4G SIM and handset to continue using mobile data. But they are not 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.
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O2 plans to start shifting customers away from 2G during 2025 too, but they and other mobile network operators won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years (here).
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s CTO, said:
“Switching off our 3G network will enable us to focus our investment on upgrading faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks, giving our customers a better overall experience.
Following on from successful switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September. We know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and will not have to take any action, and we’re writing directly to those who will be impacted to provide guidance and support.
While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Watford are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”
As usual, all of this is being supported by a campaign of communication and engagement with local customers. For example, known vulnerable customers have already been contacted with an offer of a 4G-ready device “free of charge“, while all other customers who do not currently have a 4G handset or SIM are said to have been offered upgrades at a reduced price.
O2 states that their 4G coverage already reaches 99% of the UK’s population, and 5G is available to 77% of the country.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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“But they are not switching 2G services off yet…..” VMO2 may not have switched off 2G services but it is already restricting access. Until recently, the network mode on my Galaxy had the options of 2G only plus LTE/3G/2G (auto connect) but a recent update has removed any 2G option. The Network modes are now 3G preferred (until shutdown) or LTE preferred.
This is not a network decision but a Samsung one in more recent versions of OneUI, likely due to the security flaws of 2G networks.
A Galaxy S24 on EE for example simply shows 4G Preferred and 5G Preferred now on OneUI 7
Of course, in Harpenden, we get a 4G connection from O2 but with only a 2G data rate, e.g., max of 100Kb/s.
Really, they should only be allowed to turn off 3G if they have a functioning 4G or 5G network at the same location. Just turning off data services shouldn’t be allowed.
4G has a higher spectral efficiency than 3G, so when the 3G is switched off and reassigned to 4/5G, that will result in better capacity and performance overall
Why are you still on O2 then? Why not try a different network?
“O2 plans to start shifting customers away from 2G during 2025 too, but they and other mobile network operators won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years”
The page below suggests that O2 2G gets switched off in October 2026 (a little over 1 year’s time):
https://piblu.co.uk/2024/08/28/switch-off-announcement-o2-2g-and-3g/
Restricting, not switched-off. Too many Energy Smart Meters still in play and gaps in 4G cover etc.
“1 October 2026 – 2G services will be restricted to existing IoT traffic and emergency calling outside of 4G coverage only.”
One area in South Wales that is a dreadful O2 not spot for 3G is the Holiday resort Trecco Bay and parts of Porthcawl! Here’s hoping that once 3G is off this gets them to improve the service in that area, especially as other networks have got 5G in the area already along with good 4G networks