Virgin Media O2 Expand UK 3G Mobile Switch Off to Scotland

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has this morning revealed that customers in Scotland will be the next to go through their 3G mobile (broadband) switch-off programme on 5th November 2025. The announcement follows completed withdrawals across various other locations in England (Durham, Norwich, Telford, Watford etc).

The switch-off in Scotland will begin in the east of the country – including in Aberdeen and Dundee. The process, which is due to reach UK 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 latest 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 Scotland, 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.

O2 are however starting to shift customers away from 2G this year too, but they and other mobile network operators won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years (here).

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

“We’re fast approaching the end of 2025 and 3G will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks that give our customers a better experience.

We have already successfully withdrawn 3G in a number of UK locations, and in November we’ll be turning our attention to large areas of Scotland. 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 Scotland 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, so please do take action if you need to.”

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.