Virgin Media O2 will begin switching off 3G services in 2025, reallocating the freed-up mobile spectrum to its 4G and 5G networks and reducing energy consumption.
The 3G mobile network carried less than 4% of all data used through the operator last year. Despite this, it accounts for 11% of the company’s total energy consumption.
This follows the Government and industry’s joint statement in December 2021 that all UK mobile network operators will switch off 2G and 3G by 2033 at the latest.
The switch off will be phased across the country, with support for those who need it coming from consumer groups and charities, including Good Things Foundation.
Jeanie York, CTO at VMO2, said: “As this switchover takes place, we will continue to invest heavily in maintaining, upgrading and expanding our 4G and 5G networks.”