We know how important it is to stay connected with your network. Which is why we’re always looking at ways to improve ours. As part of our network improvement plan, we’ll be completely switching off 3G by the end of 2025, allowing us to focus on expanding our 4G and 5G services for you.
This transition follows an agreement with the Government and other mobile network operators that 3G would be switched off in the UK by 2033 at the latest. And it’s nothing to worry about. In fact, we’ve made a simple guide to help you navigate this change and answer any questions that you might have. Read on to find out more about the 3G switch off, how this could affect you and some things that you might not have known about 3G.
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What is 3G?
Currently there are four generations of wireless technology that are used for UK mobile phone services: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. Launched way back in 2003 (when the final season of Friends premiered and Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love?” topped the charts as the year’s best-selling single), 3G has played a fundamental part in mobile phone technology for over two decades, allowing phone users to stream media, deliver calls and texts, as well as access the internet and other apps from their handsets.
Why is 3G being switched off?
The introduction of 4G and 5G connectivity over recent years means that mobile phone infrastructure has become overcrowded, and 3G now accounts for less than 4% of our total mobile data traffic but 11% of our total energy consumption. By moving away from our older 2G and 3G networks, and completely switching off 3G by the end of 2025, we’ll free up capacity within this infrastructure to support the expansion of more advanced 4G and 5G networks instead.
Are there any benefits?
Loads! Think improved download speeds, better-quality voice calls and a faster and more reliable phone service overall. Our 4G coverage already covers 99% of the UK population and 5G services are available outdoors to more than half of the population, and that will only increase with this transition. Every single day, we invest £2 million into our network to bring you cutting-edge technology and reliable connectivity and we’re committed to keeping you connected, no matter where you are.
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Will I be affected?
Once we switch off our 3G network, customers who don’t have phones with 4G calling capability or higher won’t be able to connect to the O2 network. This means that they can’t make calls, sends texts and use data to access the internet from their handset. In addition, if you have a 4G compatible device then you may notice an impact to your overall service at first. We’ll also be restricting access to our 2G network, except for emergency calls.
To find out if you’ll be affected by the 3G switch off or not, you can click here to discover whether your device or the device of a loved one is 4G or WiFi calling compatible. Just click under the “Check your device” section. Remember: not everyone will know about the 3G switch off, so it’s important to check that your kids or relatives who need support will not be affected. If your device is compatible, you just need to make sure your 4G calling is turned on in your settings. You can find instructions here.
You can also use our handy network coverage checker to see what’s available in your are. The map will show you the locations of the best call and mobile data reception, as well as your nearest O2 WiFi hotspots.
What are my options?
If you have a device that uses our 3G network and doesn’t have 4G calling capability, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device with 4G calling functionality before the end of 2025. Here are a few simple ways you can upgrade your device:
Speak to one of our helpful agents in your local O2 store, or by calling 202 for free from your O2 mobile or on 0344 809 0202 from any other phone.
Log in to My O2 online or via the app to see your upgrade options. We’ve made sure all devices are suitable and 4G or 5G enabled.
Looking to upgrade for less? We also have a Like New range of refurbished phones.
And don’t forget that all our devices on sale now are equipped with the latest technology, so you can get on with your daily routine without having worry about staying connected.
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Published: 7 October 2024