Virgin Media O2 Confirm UK 3G Mobile Switch-Off to Complete in Early 2026

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of broadband and mobile provider Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2), Jeanie York, has today confirmed that they’re “set to complete” their switch-off of the old legacy 3G mobile network “in the coming weeks” – largely as planned (although a few areas will still have 3G signals into “early 2026“).

The process, which was originally due to reach UK completion by the end of 2025, will 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. As part of this, O2 often upgrades masts in related locations ahead of the switch-off. The switch-off will also reduce the network’s costs and power consumption.

“Our 3G network has already been withdrawn across many UK locations, with the final areas set to follow shortly. You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely, so I’d like to take this opportunity to urge anybody who is still using a 3G-only handset to please visit your local store, or call us, to upgrade as soon as possible,” said Jeanie.

The operator is not yet switching off their 2G network, thus the few customers who had 3G before but still can’t get 4G or 5G today will still be able to make calls and send texts, although they will lose data (mobile broadband) connectivity until further upgrades are deployed. O2 did however start to shift customers away from 2G this year too, but they and other mobile operators won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years (here).

Jeanie York said:

“We know that the majority of our customers, and those of giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile which use our network, already have a 4G or 5G device and don’t have to take any action as a result of 3G being withdrawn. Our number one priority, however, is supporting those customers who do need to upgrade to a compatible advice. That’s why we’ve been writing directly to all of these customers, offering heavy discounts on replacement phones and entirely free upgrades for those we know are vulnerable. Many have already taken advantage of these offers and are now benefitting from easy-to-use devices they can count on for years to come.

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When you do upgrade, you’ll be joining the millions of other O2 customers benefitting from our Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see us invest £700m into our mobile network this year alone – equivalent to £2m every day – to provide faster, more reliable services.

Whether it’s through recent network upgrades we’ve carried out at major venues like the Allianz Stadium, Wembley and Stadium of Light, upgrading coverage on major roads and motorways and in coastal areas, or deploying dozens of small cells to improve connectivity in the busiest city centres and tourist destinations, our investment in 4G and 5G networks is powering the moments that matter to our customers.

Just like 3G once did – only now faster, more reliably and more efficiently.”