The need to upgrade to a newer smartphone is imminent for owners of older devices in the UK, as major mobile networks are gradually phasing out support for 3G. This transition means that devices incapable of connecting to the more advanced 4G and 5G signals may lose access to essential services like WhatsApp and mobile data.
Virgin Media O2 recently announced the closure of the 3G platform in various areas, including Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay by specific dates in July and August. The entire UK is expected to lose access to 3G by the end of the year as part of O2’s strategy to enhance the speed and reliability of 4G and 5G connectivity for customers.
According to a statement from Virgin Media O2, customers using 3G services in these areas will need to upgrade to a compatible 4G or 5G handset to continue accessing mobile data services. While O2 is slightly behind its competitors Vodafone, Three, and EE in completing the 3G switch-off, most modern phones should not encounter any issues, with only older models potentially experiencing connectivity problems.
Virgin Media O2 is proactively reaching out to customers across the UK who do not currently own a 4G or 5G device to provide assistance and support during this transition. Customers are encouraged to visit their local O2 store for more information and support, and they can also utilize O2 Recycle to responsibly dispose of their old handsets in exchange for cash.
The 3G technology, first introduced in the UK in 2003, has been overtaken by the more reliable and faster 4G and 5G technologies. While 3G users are limited to download speeds below 5Mbps, 5G offers speeds surpassing 100Mbps, making it ideal for modern needs such as on-the-go streaming.