O2 customers using outdated phones on the O2 network are urged to upgrade promptly as O2, under Virgin Media, will soon deactivate its 3G signal. This move aligns with industry trends as other major providers like EE and Vodafone have already made similar transitions.
After the 3G shutdown, individuals with non-4G or 5G compatible devices will lose access to online services such as WhatsApp when not connected to Wi-Fi. Virgin Media O2 Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, emphasized the shift towards faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks, rendering 3G obsolete.
O2 assured that the impact would be minimal, with notifications sent to users of 3G devices offering upgrade options. Acting swiftly is advised as failure to upgrade before the 3G switch-off will result in the loss of mobile data access, although voice calls and text messaging will remain functional.
The discontinuation of 3G aims to free up space for enhanced 4G and 5G signals to meet modern connectivity demands. York highlighted the declining relevance of 3G, with less than 2% of mobile data traffic utilizing the network, leading to a collective industry decision in 2021 to reallocate spectrum for advanced services.
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