Virgin Media O2 will continue to switch off its 3G network across the UK, with Norwich, Telford and Guildford services being withdrawn in July and in Torquay in August, as part of the company’s plans to deliver faster 4G and 5G connectivity for mobile customers.
This follows the successful pilot in Durham, which became the first city to have 3G withdrawn on 2nd April.
VMO2 is directly contacting all customers across the UK currently without a compatible handset to inform them that they will require a 4G SIM and device to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off.
The company’s 3G network carries less than 3% of all network data – a figure which continues to fall.
The switch-off of this older technology allows providers to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services, and VMO2 has upgraded 4G and 5G masts in Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay over the past year.
Jeanie York, VMO2's Chief Technology Officer (pictured) said: “We’re switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience.
“Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month, we will now be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year.”
The withdrawal of 3G services will be completed by the end of 2025.