Britain’s largest mobile network closing after two decades – urges customers to upgrade now
Mobile phone users across the United Kingdom are being asked to switch to newer tech as O2, part of the Virgin Media O2 network, announces it will stop its 3G services later this year. The change affects people with older, 3G-only devices, who could lose mobile internet unless they move to 4G or 5G.
This move follows the lead of other big providers — Vodafone, EE and Three — that have already wound down their 3G networks. Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, summed it up: “We’re now more connected than ever thanks to significant investment in faster, more reliable 4G and 5G networks. As a result, 3G has become a relic of a bygone era.”
Moving on from 3G
O2’s plan to switch off 3G is part of a push to boost its network capabilities. Shutting 3G down lets O2 free up valuable radio spectrum (the frequencies used by mobile networks), which will be repurposed to strengthen 4G and 5G services — meaning better speeds and wider coverage for customers.
Mobile internet works by sending and receiving signals through cell towers using radio waves, allowing people to stay online while they’re on the move. 4G, rolled out widely from the late 2000s, brought much faster data speeds and helped smartphones take off, supporting social media and high-quality video streaming. 5G, which launched in the UK in 2019, offers far lower delays and the ability to handle millions of connected devices at once.
What this means for customers and the industry
Only 2% of O2’s current mobile data traffic still runs on 3G, which is why the operator is moving on. Customers who rely on 3G-only handsets will face connectivity problems unless they upgrade to newer devices. When people get notified about the shutdown, they’re being urged to replace old phones to keep using the internet and other services.
3G has already been turned off in many parts of the UK, with the remaining areas scheduled to follow suit. Trials for the shutdown were carried out successfully in 2025 to help smooth the change. In some places a 3G signal might hang around as late as early 2026, but the network will be taken offline permanently shortly after. The timeline reflects the wider industry shift toward stronger 4G and 5G networks.
Where wireless connectivity is heading
Moving from 3G to 5G is a big step for telecoms. 5G’s ability to support vast numbers of devices opens up new possibilities across healthcare, transport and entertainment, and it underlines why consumers and businesses need to move quickly to keep up with the latest tech.
Wi‑Fi remains local (it depends on a nearby router), while mobile networks cover much larger areas and can be helped by satellites to reach remote spots. That flexibility keeps mobile services central to an increasingly connected society.
As the UK gets ready for the full 3G shutdown, consumers are reminded they play a part in the change. Upgrading older devices not only keeps people connected but also helps the country move towards a faster, more efficient network setup.