What happens when 3G is switched off? Devices affected

The 3G shutdown was agreed by the Government back in 2021, with all network operators ordered to switch off this older technology.

Vodafone and EE completed their 3G switch-offs back in February 2024.

Three completed its shutdown at the end of 2024 and Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch off in April 2025.

Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch-off this April in Durham, marking a key milestone in our network evolution.

This move allows us to focus on faster, more reliable #4G and #5G services, delivering better connectivity for our customers.

Learn more here:… pic.twitter.com/JE1YXHkKnA

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— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) January 13, 2025

Telecommunications regulator Ofcom added that turning off 3G networks will free up capacity that can then be used to expand 4G and 5G network coverage.

This will help tackle “signal dead spots”, Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Experts (MSE) reported.

What happens when 3G is switched off?

Any customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area 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.

MSE explained: “If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you’ll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it’s fully switched off by your provider – you’ll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you’ll struggle to do even basic tasks.  

“You’ll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network.”

Top tips for faster broadband

What devices won’t work after the 3G shutdown?

If your phone and/or Sim isn’t 4G capable and you want to use the internet, then you’ll have to buy a new device or Sim.

MSE added: “Both the phone and Sim need to be 4G capable – having just one or the other won’t work.”

Almost all new phones and Sims are now 4G compatible.

You won’t be able to use mobile data on your phone after the switch-off if you have a 3G device. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

How to check if your device is 4G compatible

There are a number of ways to check if your device is 4G compatible, and will be unaffected by the 3G switch-off:

Check phone settings

• Go to your phone’s settings and look for the “Mobile Network” or “Network Settings” option. 

• Once there you will see a list of network modes that your phone supports.

• Make sure 4G (or 5G) is listed and enabled. If you don’t see 4G or 5G, then your phone doesn’t support it.

Check phone specifications

MSE said you can check your phone’s specifications in the user manual or by searching for your phone’s make and model online.

This will tell you your phone’s network capabilities and whether or not it supports 4G and/or 5G.

Virgin Media O2 website

If you are a Virgin Media O2 customer and are worried your device will lose internet access when the 3G switch off begins in April, there is a way to check on its website if you’ll be affected.

Simply visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.

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Money Saving Expert 4G checker tool

MSE has its own 4G checker tool which will tell you if your phone is capable of receiving signal once 3G has been switched off.

Can I upgrade from 3G to 4G and/or 5G?

You can upgrade from a 3G phone and/or Sim to 4G or 5G simply by speaking to your, or any, mobile provider.