Virgin Media O2 to offer free 4G phones and discounted upgrades to Durham residents ahead of 3G switch-off

Virgin Media O2 is offering free 4G phones and discounted upgrades to people in the Durham area whose 3G devices will no longer receive service from April 2.

To minimise disruption, the company is offering free 4G-ready devices to vulnerable customers and discounted upgrades to others in the area who still rely on 3G technology. The network is  working with Age UK County Durham to ensure older and more vulnerable residents are informed and supported. Leaflets have been distributed to community venues, while the charity is using its website, social media, and home visits to raise awareness and help people prepare.

April 2 marks the start of the company’s 3G network switch-off, part of a nationwide initiative to enhance 4G and 5G connectivity.

Durham will be the first UK city to lose 3G service. From April 2, customers in the area without a 4G or 5G-capable device will no longer be able to access mobile data, although calls and texts will continue to work temporarily. These users will need to upgrade later in the year to maintain full service.

The company is also encouraging residents to recycle older devices through its O2 Recycle scheme, which offers cash incentives and ensures all phones are either reused, repaired, or responsibly recycled under its zero-landfill policy.

Durham has seen significant 4G and 5G upgrades over the past year, with further improvements planned for 2025. Virgin Media O2 says it will use the experience in Durham to inform the wider UK switch-off programme, working closely with organisations such as the Good Things Foundation to support vulnerable groups.

The nationwide retirement of 3G networks follows a 2021 agreement between the UK Government and all mobile operators to phase out the ageing technology. Virgin Media O2 says 3G now carries less than 3% of its network traffic. Decommissioning the network will free up spectrum for more efficient services, improving data speeds, streaming reliability, and call quality.

Customers of Virgin Media O2’s MVNOs—including Tesco Mobile and giffgaff—will also be affected and are being contacted directly. Tesco Mobile users can visit local stores for additional support.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, 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 putting careful monitoring in place, we’ll minimise disruption and ensure the success of this essential modernisation programme. Our priority is to provide support to those who need it most.”