O2 is shutting down its 3G network and offering help to older users.
There’s a major change taking place this year and it could leave some without vital access to data on their devices. The UK’s 3G service is slowly being switched off in favour of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G. UK networks, including EE and Vodafone, have already turned off 3G, and now O2 is doing exactly the same.
Although the majority of users won’t notice any difference – as their devices won’t be connecting to data via 3G – some older and more vulnerable customers may find their phones suddenly stop working if they haven’t yet upgraded to something new.
It’s clearly a concern as many people need their phones to keep in touch with friends and family.
To offer some help, Virgin Media O2, has confirmed that it is now working with Age UK to help raise awareness of the UK’s 3G switch off.
“The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it’s important that we do all we can to support those affected,” said Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK.
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O2 will have disconnected its 3G signal by the end of the year, and that means those with non-4G or 5G ready devices won’t be able to access services such as WhatsApp.
The closure has actually already started. Durham was the first town O2 turned off 3G. This was followed by Norwich, Telford and Guildford . Torquay will be next before the entire network is shut down by the end of the year.
“Virgin Media O2 and Age UK are working together to provide additional support to the small number of older mobile phone users who will need to upgrade their handsets to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off,” Virgin Media O2 said.
“Virgin Media O2 will support Age UK’s work to develop and distribute new informative content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off. The charity will provide key information on its website and social media channels and, via its Advice Line, support older people and their families who are seeking advice in relation to the 3G switch off.”
Age UK will support “disadvantaged older people” by staging in-person awareness sessions.
These services will also be available to older customers along with those who use providers who piggyback of the O2 network. These include Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile.
So, how do you know if you are affected?
Virgin Media O2 said it was writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset. The network has also confirmed that it will offer free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others.
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If you have a phone that only has 3G connectivity, it will also support 2G networks. This means after the 3G switch-off, you will still be able to send and receive voice calls and text messages.
Luckily the impact of this change should be small. According to Virgin Media O2, its 3G network carries less than 2% of all network data.
“Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK’s Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65,” said Age UK’s Abrahams.