O2 offers free phone replacement after revealing first area where long-running service will close causing data loss
O2 has revealed the first area set to lose a long-running service as the UK prepares for a major shake-up to data connections.
And it’s a change that will affect other networks running off the back of O2, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
Experts recently warned Brits to check their phones over the closure of O2’s legacy 3G network.
The move should ultimately benefit most people with more faster 4G and 5G – but those with some older handsets will lose access to data altogether.
Really dated handsets such as the iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini are among them.
O2 is the last of the “big four” to cease 3G services, as agreed by the industry and the government in 2021.
Now the firm has revealed the first area that will see 3G disappear and when.
And it’s been named as the city of Durham, which will see 3G switched off in April.
O2 says it has started directly contacting the small proportion of customers in the area who don’t currently have a 4G or 5G device to inform them of the changes.
Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device for free and all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
While data access will disappear as a result of the move, calls and texts will remain via 2G, which is staying put.
“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,” explained Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer.
“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.”
Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off.
There wasn’t much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G.
So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small.
Just because it may be a small figure doesn’t mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they’re not very tech-savvy or vulnerable.
So definitely look out for support communications from O2 – and speak to them if you’re unsure.
There is a trick to check for yourself.
Go into your phone’s settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.