"Customers who haven't upgraded to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make calls and send text messages, the company says, but they won't be able to access mobile data. That would mean they won't be able to use websites and many phone apps will no longer function. The same applies to subscribers of mobile providers that use VMO2 to deliver their services, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile."
"As we have noted previously, this all stems from plans announced in 2021 by the previous UK government for all 2G and 3G mobile networks to be phased out of use by 2033. BT/EE completed its switch-off in early 2024, as did Vodafone, while Three was understood to have concluded its process by November of last year, although there were reports of a small number of sites still providing a 3G service into 2025, to "avoid customers losing service.""
Virgin Media O2 will be the last UK mobile operator to switch off its 3G service, completing the program in the coming weeks after successful 2025 pilots. The operator began shutdowns in Durham in April and removed 3G in parts of Scotland from November. Customers without 4G or 5G devices will retain voice and text but lose mobile data and many app functions. Providers using VMO2's network, including Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile, are affected. The removals follow a 2021 government plan to phase out 2G and 3G by 2033, and other operators completed switch-offs earlier.
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