O2 issues message to customers as service axed from April (2025)

O2 is axing its 3G network from April (Image: Getty)

O2 has issued a message to customers as it is axing its 3G network from this month. The major mobile network is beginning its full 3G switch off from April, starting in Durham, in North East England, with the rest of the UK to follow throughout this year.

The switch off means that anyone without a 4G or 5G device will need a 4G SIM and handset from April in order to continue accessing mobile data. Any customers that don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the 3G service is axed will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they do now, but they won’t be able to use mobile data. As such, you won’t be able to do things like browse the web, stream music or TV shows on apps like YouTube, Spotify or Netflix, or download files. O2 said the switch off is due to 3G being superseded by 4G and 5G networks in recent years, with the 3G network carrying less traffic than the newer services.

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The mobile firm says by focusing its investment on 4G and 5G it will be able to “expand and upgrade services, “while being more energy efficient and better for the environment”, and customers will also benefit from faster download speeds and higher quality voice calls.

But the switch off means that customers who don’t have a phone with WiFi and 4G Calling capability will need to upgrade their devices. O2 is urging customers to check their device is compatible with these services.

O2 said: “Our full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year. There are a few steps you’ll need to take:

• Check your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G Calling.
• If you already have a compatible device, make sure you enable WiFi and 4G Calling so you have the best experience when we switch off 3G. You’ll find all the information you need on our WiFi and 4G Calling page
• If you don’t have a Wifi and 4G Calling compatible device, you’ll need to change, you’ll need to change or upgrade your device. Sign in to My O2 for your upgrade options.

“You may be impacted if you use a mobile broadband device (WiFi dongle or pocket hotspot) with a device that requires a SIM, such as a smartwatch, iPad or other tablet. There are a few steps you’ll need to take to stay connected after the 3G switch off.”

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Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, added: “Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers.

“By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.

“While the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G-ready device, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to help them prepare. We will continue to support our customers as we complete the switch off of our 3G network.”