O2 is the last of the major networks to phase out its 3G services(Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

Mobile phone users face disruption as major network begins shutdown

by · BristolLive

Mobile phone users are at risk of being "cut off from day-to-day life" following an announcement from a leading network that it intends to decommission some of its services. O2 has begun the process of phasing out its 3G signal nationwide, with completion expected in different stages throughout the year, starting with customers in Durham who will see 3G services cease from April.

Users of GiffGaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Lyca Mobile are also poised to experience the impact, as they rely on O2's network infrastructure. Older phones and certain smartphones, which can be found on a detailed list below, will be most affected by this changeover.

Certain customers using older phones are being given 4G-ready devices for free(Image: Peter Austin via Getty Images)

O2 has reached out to some customers about necessary steps moving forward. To support 3G users it deems "vulnerable", O2 is offering complimentary 4G-ready devices, while others without a compatible handset or SIM card will have the option to purchase new equipment at a reduced cost.

Although the discontinuation of 3G will prevent O2 customers in Durham from using data once the service is turned off, they will remain able to make voice calls and send SMS. Furthermore, O2 has confirmed that access to emergency services remains available over 3G, underlining that: "All network operators take necessary measures to ensure their continuity."

An industry expert has warned not to underestimate the impact of the 3G switch-off on Durham customers, emphasising the need for a solid support plan. Elizabeth Anderson, chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance, expressed concern: "For many low income households still using older devices, 3G is their primary way of accessing essential online services – from healthcare and education to job applications and vital communication tools.

"Without mobile data, people risk being cut off from modern day to day life. This is especially concerning in the North East, the most digitally deprived region in England, where lack of access could deepen existing inequalities."

She added: "As the UK moves towards a 5G future, addressing digital exclusion must be a priority. We need a co-ordinated effort from network providers and policymakers to ensure everyone stays connected and that no one is left behind."

Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's chief technology officer, said: "While the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G-ready device, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to help them prepare.

"We will continue to support our customers as we complete the switch-off of our 3G network." The switch-off is part of a broader industry initiative to concentrate more on delivering faster 4G and 5G services, in response to the increasing popularity of smartphones and mobile web browsing.

The shutdown is part of plans to focus on improving 4G and 5G networks(Image: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

Comparison site Uswitch reported that in 2023 (the most recent year for which data is available), 98% of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK owned a smartphone, compared to 86% of those aged 55 to 64, and 80% of those aged 65 and above. In a joint announcement with the Government in 2021, the big four networks – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three – revealed plans to turn off both 2G and 3G signals by no later than 2033.

O2 is the last of the big four networks to shut down 3G after the other three completed their switch-off process over the past few years. Furthermore, it published a list of devices that will not function following the 3G switch-off.

Affected phones

iPhone

Apple iPhone 1 Generation, Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 3GS, Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S

Samsung

Samsung ZV60, Samsung Binou, Samsung GT-C3592, Samsung SGH-X830, Samsung BEAT S, Samsung Galaxy Fame, Samsung SGH-E630, Samsung SGH-J600, Samsung SLIDER, Samsung BEAT DJ, Samsung Armani, Samsung Marvel, Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, Samsung GT-E2100B, Samsung SGH-F110, Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

The iPhone 5 is among the models that won't survive the 3G switch-off(Image: Cameron Spencer, Getty Images)

Sony

Sony Ericsson WT13I, Sony Ericsson W705, Sony Ericsson Rachael, Sony Ericsson T650I, Sony Ericsson VIVAZ PRO, Sony Ericsson W715, Sony Xperia M2, Sony Ericsson W700I, Sony Ericsson W580C, Sony Ericsson W760I, Sony Xperia Z2, Sony Xperia L, Sony Xperia E

Oneplus

Oneplus One, Oneplus 2, Oneplus X

LG

LG Calisto, LG Pop, LG Prada, LG Town, LG Cookie Lite, LG A140, LG A133, LG G5400, LG Viewty Smart, LG KF600, LG KF700, LG Optimus Chat, LG L40, LG KE500, LG L343I, LG X Screen, LG KF310, LG New Chocolate, LG KG130, LG G1600

Doro

Doro 6620, Doro 1380, Doro 2404, Doro 6521, Doro 6040, Doro PRIMO 805, Doro 1370, Doro PHONEEASY 612, Doro 6520, Doro 6530, Doro PRIMO 401, Doro 2424, Doro 6051, Doro LIBERTO 810

Google

Google Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4, Google Nexus S, Google ONE M8 Google PLAY EDITION, Google Nexus 5, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus ONE

Xiaomi

Xiaomi MI A1, Xiaomi MI 3, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro, Xiaomi MI 5C, Xiaomi Redmi, Xiaomi Redmi 1S, Xiaomi MI 1S, Xiaomi MI 4 LTE

OPPO

OPPO N1T, R7 Plus F, Find 7 Mini, A113K, R7, Find 7A, Joy, R7 Plus, R7S, 1107, A125

Huawei

Huawei U8660, Huawei Honor 6X, Huawei Ascend G620S, Huawei G7300, Huawei Ideos X1, Huawei Honor 7, Huawei HONOR G Play, Huawei P8, Huawei U8850, Huawei Ascend G7, Huawei U5110, Huawei Ascend Y300, Huawei Honor, Huawei Sonic, Huawei Honor 5X, Huawei Ascend G510, Huawei Ascend P6

Other networks such as EE turned off their 3G signals in the past few years(Image: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Motorola

Motorola MOTO E, Motorola EM30, Motorola Motokey Social, Motorola Flipout, Motorola Rokr E8, Motorola WX160, Motorola Razr2 V8, Motorola MOTOLUXE, Motorola V171, Motorola T722I, Motorola RAZR I, Motorola E365, Motorola ES405B, Motorola M930, Motorola Z6, Motorola EX211, Motorola M3588, Motorola STARTAC 130, Motorola V975, Motorola C118V

Nokia

Nokia 220, Nokia 106.1, Nokia C2-01, Nokia Lumia 925, Nokia 110, Nokia 5140, Nokia 3000, Nokia Lumia 735, Nokia 216, Nokia Asha 201, Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia 106, Nokia 7200, Nokia 6310I, Nokia 6500 Classic, Nokia C3-01I, Nokia E5-00, Nokia 8890, Nokia 105, Nokia 6700 Classic, Nokia 6310, Nokia 3.1 PLUS, Nokia 6301, Nokia C6-01, Nokia 8250, Nokia 105 2022, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2330 Classic

Alcatel

Alcatel One Touch 990, Alcatel One Touch 255, Alcatel One Touch 710, Alcatel 2003, Alcatel One Touch 665, Alcatel One Touch 1046G, Alcatel One Touch 660, Alcatel One Touch PIXI 3 (4.5), Alcatel 2051X, Alcatel 1030X, Alcatel 1068, Alcatel One Touch 2000X, Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 4.7, Alcatel X230D, Alcatel 1060, Alcatel One Touch POP C1, Alcatel One Touch 2005X, Alcatel One Touch 322, Alcatel 3025, Alcatel 1C, Alcatel 3C, Alcatel 2057, Alcatel One Touch 810F, Alcatel One Touch Xtra, Alcatel A3 Plus, Alcatel One Touch 2045, Alcatel OT-E227, Alcatel One Touch 1013X, Alcatel One Touch 209, Alcatel One Touch 232, Alcatel One Touch 363, Alcatel One Touch Tpop