Virgin Media O2 has confirmed it is switching off a key service (Image: Getty)
Virgin Media O2 has issued a warning to customers that a key service is being axed this year.
The company has confirmed it will switch off its in the city of Durham in April 2025 as part of its long-term plans to provide faster and more reliable connectivity for customers.
first announced plans to in 2023 in order to roll out 4G and 5G connectivity to mobile customers.
Customers don’t have to take any action as a result of the 3G service being turned off and the company said it has already started contacting those in Durham who don’t currently own a 4G or 5G device.
The switch off means that anyone without a 4G or 5G device will need a 4G SIM and handset from April in order to continue accessing mobile data.
Any customers that don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the 3G service is axed will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they do now, but they won’t be able to use mobile data.
It means customers won’t be able to do things like browse the web, stream music or TV shows on apps like YouTube, Spotify or , or download files.
Virgin Media O2 said vulnerable customers affected by the switch off have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge to help them stay connected and all other affected customers who currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
Customers of virtual network operators that use Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, such as Tesco Mobile and giffgaff, will also be impacted by the switch off and will be contacted directly by their provider.
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The company will carry out a UK-wide 3G switch off following Durham in April, with the programme to be completed at the end of 2025.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers.
“By starting in just one location and by putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption to customers and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme.
“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.”