3G to be switched off on mobile phones as thousands to lose service

Major networks are closing down 3G service, which will leave many with no data access on their phones.

A major warning has been issued to thousands of phone users as one network is set to turn off the 3G internet service.

02 has revealed it will be joining the other major networks in closing down the 3G service, which will leave Brits with no data access on their phones.

O2 is one of the last network providers to carry out the work, following an agreement with the Government back in 2021. The UK's four main network providers said it will mean faster 4G and 5G services for consumers.

Customers who use O2's network, such as Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile will also be affected if they are using 3G., reports the Mirror.

Customers whose devices are solely 3G enabled will lose access to data, which means no internet, WhatsApp or any app that requires you to be online, unless you're connected to a WI-Fi connection. However, you still will be able to make emergency calls.

Virgin Media O2 has already switched off 3G in Durham but the company has now confirmed Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have 3G withdrawn on July 16. Torquay will also follow on August 4.

According to 02's website the 3G switch off will continue across the UK throughout the year.

It said: "Like other networks in the UK and abroad, we're switching off our 3G network so that we can focus on our faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks.

"Our full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year."

What to check before the big switch-off

• Check your device is compatible with WiFi and 4G Calling.
• If you already have a compatible device, make sure you enable WiFi and 4G Calling so you have the best experience when we switch off 3G. You’ll find all the information you need on O2's WiFi and 4G Calling page
• If you don’t have a Wifi and 4G Calling compatible device, you’ll need to change, you’ll need to change or upgrade your device. Sign in to My O2 for your upgrade options.

It comes as iPhone 17's rumoured new feature leaves Apple fans very excited.

The upcoming Apple device is expected to launch in September, stirring speculation about an all-new, slender 'iPhone Air' design that's captured consumers' attention.

It's predicted to feature a "huge visor across the back". Speculation varies on this visor – some forecast a "two-tone look" contingent upon the model, while others suggest the visor will uniformly manifest in solid black across each variation.

Yet, the main excitement currently lies with the prospective colourways for the device. One expert gushed: "Most importantly for me, from what I've seen, we might be getting an orange iPhone. That's what I'm most pumped about".

You can read more here.