Telford and Guildford next in line for Virgin Media O2 3G shut down.

Virgin Media O2’s 3G network will be switched off in Telford and Guildford in July, and in Torquay in August,

This follows the successful pilot in Durham, which became the first city to have 3G withdrawn on 2 April.

The company is contacting customers across the UK without a compatible handset to inform them that they will require a 4G SIM and device to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off.

Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge. Other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. Virgin Media O2 also continues to engage with consumer groups and charities such as Good Things Foundation to draw on their expertise and help manage the transition effectively.

Customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do for now, but they would not be able to use mobile data.

The 3G network is more than 20 years old and carries less than three per cent of all network data, Mobile spectrum will be allocated for more efficient 4G and 5G services with faster data speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls. 

Virgin Media O2 has upgraded 4G and 5G masts in Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay over the past year, and the company invests around £2m every single day into its mobile network to meet ever-growing demand for connectivity.

 Customers of MVNO’s Virgin Media O2’s mobile network will also be impacted by the switch-off and are being contacted directly by their provider.

 Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “

“Most of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action Our priority is to provide support to those who need it. We are calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.”