Virgin Media O2, the owner of the O2 mobile network, has confirmed its 3G mobile network will be switched off completely “in the coming weeks”, marking the end of 3G signal in the UK.

Vodafone and EE turned off their 3G networks in 2024, with Three also switching off earlier this year. In a blog post, Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said some signal may remain accessible “for a short period in early 2026” but that “the network will soon be switched off entirely”.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to urge anybody who is still using a 3G-only handset to please visit your local store, or call us, to upgrade as soon as possible,” York said.

“Anyone who doesn’t upgrade before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make calls and send text messages as they do today, but they won’t be able to use mobile data.”

Three launched the UK’s first 3G network in March 2003, heralding the dawn of mobile data on handsets that predated the first iPhone by four years. Most modern smartphones are now compatible with 4G and 5G networks, with less than two percent of mobile data usage on O2’s network going over 3G, according to the firm.

After a 2021 agreement between industry and government, 3G networks are being retired to give preference to 4G and 5G frequencies as mobile data use continues to grow across the country. Mobile operators are promising this will result in faster data speeds as well as better mobile reliability.

It is unlikely that you will be affected if you have a modern smartphone released within the last decade or so, since 4G networks launched in 2012. But if you do have a mobile phone only capable of 3G connections, you will soon lose the ability to connect to data services.

This means you will still be able to send and receive voice calls or text messages, as 2G networks are still live in the UK, but you will no longer be able to use mobile data, losing access to web browsers or mobile apps including messaging services such as WhatsApp.

As well as O2 customers, those on the Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile networks are also being warned, as these providers use the O2 network.

“Our number one priority, however, is supporting those customers who do need to upgrade to a compatible advice,” said York.

“That’s why we’ve been writing directly to all of these customers, offering heavy discounts on replacement phones and entirely free upgrades for those we know are vulnerable. Many have already taken advantage of these offers and are now benefitting from easy-to-use devices they can count on for years to come.”