Virgin Media O2 customers face a major service loss in April

In the UK, Virgin Media O2 is set to end its 3G mobile data service in April 2025, following similar actions by Vodafone, Three, and EE in the previous year. This change marks Virgin Media O2 as the last major telecom provider in the country to discontinue 3G services, aiming to enhance their network and reallocate resources to 4G and 5G technologies. The initial location for this switch-off will be the city of Durham, where the company has recently upgraded its 4G and 5G infrastructure to bolster customer experience. Virgin Media O2 reports that 3G technology, introduced over two decades ago, now contributes to less than three percent of total network data usage. The decision to shut down 3G services aligns with a government consensus among mobile network operators from 2021. Jeanie York, the Chief Technology Officer of Virgin Media O2, emphasized that decommissioning this older technology would be a significant leap in the company’s network evolution, paving the way for improved services through faster data speeds and enhanced call quality. Moreover, the transition will allow for better streaming and more reliable mobile data transmission. To prepare customers for this change, Virgin Media O2 is actively reaching out to users who currently lack 4G or 5G-ready devices. Although the majority of their customer base is already using devices compatible with the newer networks, the company is particularly concerned about vulnerable customers who may need additional support during this transition. As a pivotal part of its upgrade strategy, Virgin Media O2 plans to monitor the situation closely, learning from the initial phase in Durham before proceeding with further 3G service shutdowns across the UK in the subsequent months. The transition is seen as an essential modernization effort that not only enhances Virgin Media O2’s service offerings but also seeks to ensure a smoother experience for all customers utilizing O2’s network, including those with deals from Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and Giffgaff, which also rely on O2 infrastructure. As the UK moves forward in its telecommunications landscape, the phasing out of 3G will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of mobile technology and connectivity for its users.