- Having already switched off its 3G network across parts of the UK, Virgin Media O2 has confirmed that Scotland will have 3G services withdrawn from 5 November
- While the vast majority of customers will not need to take any action, the operator is directly contacting all customers in the area who currently don’t have a 4G or 5G device to provide information and support
- Customers can visit their local O2 store for more information and support, and they are also reminded they can use O2 Recycle to responsibly and sustainably dispose of their old handsets in exchange for cash
- The withdrawal of 3G services is part of long-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers
Virgin Media O2 is ramping up its 3G switch-off programme by withdrawing the older technology in Scotland from November, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for mobile customers.
The switch-off in Scotland will begin in the east of the country – including in Aberdeen and Dundee – from 5 November and follows other locations across the UK that have already had 3G services withdrawn successfully.
While the vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action as a result of the switch off, the company is directly contacting all customers currently 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.
With 3G services across the whole of the UK to be withdrawn by the end of the year, customers are advised – regardless of where they live – to check if their device is 4G or 5G compatible and, if not, upgrade as soon as possible.
As part of the company’s plan to support the small number of customers who will be impacted, known vulnerable customers are being offered a 4G-ready device free of charge, helping them stay connected, while all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM are able to upgrade to a new device at a reduced price.
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.
Virgin Media O2 also continues to engage with consumer groups and charities such as Age UK and Good Things Foundation to draw on their expertise and help manage the transition effectively.
Customers with older, unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their device through O2 Recycle. Not only will they receive cash in exchange, but they’ll also be playing their part in protecting the environment, with Virgin Media O2’s zero landfill policy meaning that these phones will be repaired or recycled for parts.
The company’s 3G network, first launched more than 20 years ago, today carries less than 2% of all network data – a figure which continues to fall. The switch-off of this older technology – agreed by the Government and all mobile network operators in 2021 – allows providers like Virgin Media O2 to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ experience with faster data speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls. Virgin Media O2 has already begun redeploying spectrum released from its 3G network into 5G services, with the first upgraded sites already live in Durham – where the programme began – and more areas to follow in the coming months.
Virgin Media O2 has upgraded a number of 4G and 5G masts across Scotland over recent months and years – including through the Shared Rural Network which saw over 180 sites built and upgraded in the country – and the company invests around £2m every single day into its mobile network to meet ever-growing demand for connectivity.
Customers of virtual network operators that use Virgin Media O2’s mobile network – such as Tesco Mobile and giffgaff – 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: “We’re fast approaching the end of 2025 and 3G will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks that give our customers a better experience.
“We have already successfully withdrawn 3G in a number of UK locations, and in November we’ll be turning our attention to large areas of Scotland. We know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G handset and will not have to take any action, and we’re writing directly to those who will be impacted to provide guidance and support.
“While customers without a 4G or 5G device in Scotland are particularly urged to take swift action, regardless of where you live in the UK, you will need to upgrade very soon in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off, so please do take action if you need to.”
In a further boost to the mobile network, Virgin Media O2 recently announced a £343m investment to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, bringing the operator’s total spectrum holding to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum and materially enhancing the company’s network position.
O2 customers can find out more about the 3G switch off on its website. Tesco Mobile customers can find out more here, Sky Mobile customers should visit here for further information, while giffgaff customers can access further support here.
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