Over four million UK mobile phone users at risk of internet switch-off as deadline nears

Rory Poulter & Ambarish Awale
·3-min read
-Credit:Getty Images
-Credit:Getty Images


Up to 4.3 million people with older mobile phones could lose access to the internet this year as the UK phases out its 3G network, sparking concern among experts at Uswitch.com.

O2, which serves a wide range of mobile brands including Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Virgin, and GiffGaff, is set to be the last UK network to discontinue 3G services, leaving millions of customers potentially without service, DevonLive reports.

Networks like Vodafone, Three, and EE have already switched off their 3G networks to prioritize faster 4G and 5G coverage.

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Vodafone, Three, and EE have already switched off their 3G networks to prioritize faster 4G and 5G coverage -Credit:Getty Images
Vodafone, Three, and EE have already switched off their 3G networks to prioritize faster 4G and 5G coverage -Credit:Getty Images

According to Uswitch.com research, nearly 3 million customers across O2, Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff, Virgin, and Sky Mobile are unsure if their phones are 4G or 5G compatible, while over 1.3 million individuals are still using 3G handsets.

Uswitch warns: "This means over 4m consumers could lose access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their devices or take the steps recommended by their providers."

The phased withdrawal of 3G will mainly impact internet services for those using older devices. However, calls and texts will remain unaffected, ensuring basic communication stays intact.

In the coming months, O2 and its partner providers will reach out to those impacted, offering essential support.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The 3G switch-off, which began last year, is a crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks, offering significantly faster and more reliable connectivity than 3G.

“While the majority of customers do have a 4G or 5G compatible phone, there will still be a proportion of customers with older devices who will need to upgrade this year.

"If you’re still using an older phone, you can check your device’s 4G and 5G compatibility by looking for ‘Network Mode’ or ‘Preferred Network’ under ‘Network’ or ‘Mobile Data’ in your Settings. If you see 4G or 5G, your phone is compatible.

“If you do need to upgrade, there are plenty of affordable options out there, and it may be worth looking into a refurbished device if you’re not looking for the latest launches and don’t want a costly upgrade.

"It’s also worth running a coverage check for your area - Ofcom has one on its website - especially if you live rurally and have previously relied on 3G.

People can use Ofcom to run a coverage check for their area, according to telecom expert Ernest Doku -Credit:Getty Images
People can use Ofcom to run a coverage check for their area, according to telecom expert Ernest Doku -Credit:Getty Images

"Most of the country has strong 4G or 5G coverage, but it’s always a good idea to check which networks have the best coverage in the places you frequent most."

He added: "The 3G switch-off is an important step in moving us towards a faster and more reliable service, but consumers must be fully aware of their network plans and how it might impact their device.”

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