ONE of the UK’s biggest networks has warned customers that the closure of a key service will take place in several areas soon.
The move means some customers risk being left with no data at all to access the internet or message friends on WhatsApp when they’re out and about.
O2 is offering support to those who need help with the switch[/caption]
Other networks like GiffGaff will also be affected by the move[/caption]
O2 alerted its 23 million customers of the changes earlier this year.
But now plans to switch off 3G are picking up pace, with three more locations set to wave goodbye to the old network in less than two weeks.
O2 is the last of the big networks to make the change, as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021.
After more than 20 years, the company is stripping out 3G to make way for more faster 4G and 5G services.
The shake-up will also impact Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile, which rely on O2’s network technology.
For most people, the demise of 3G shouldn’t be a problem but for a small number of users it will result in a data blackout.
Some older handsets aren’t able to handle 4G or 5G.
They’ll still be able to make calls and send texts, but without 3G they won’t be able to get online when out and about – though they can technically still go online when using Wi-Fi.
The next areas where O2’s 3G will be switched off on July 16 are:
- Norwich
- Telford
- Guildford
It’s already ended in the city of Durham.
After this latest batch, Torquay will follow on August 4.
“While we know that the vast majority 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,” said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said
“That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and 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.”
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 get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
