O2 3G Network Shutdown: What UK Users Need to Know in 2026
The End of an Era for Mobile Connectivity
Virgin Media O2 has confirmed that they’re set to complete their switch-off of the old legacy 3G mobile network in the coming weeks, with a few areas still having 3G signals into early 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the UK’s digital infrastructure transformation, as O2 becomes the last of the UK’s mobile network operators to shutdown 3G, following Three, which completed its shutdown in late 2024.
The decision affects a small but important segment of users. Any device that relies only on 3G will lose mobile internet access, even though calls and text messages will continue to work. For many customers, this transition will be seamless, but those with older smartphones, tablets, car SIMs, or connected devices need to take action now to maintain mobile data services.
Why Is O2 Shutting Down 3G?
The rationale behind the shutdown is both technological and economic. O2’s 3G network, which was first launched more than 20 years ago, recently carried less than 2% of all network data but accounted for 11% of their total energy. This inefficiency made maintaining the ageing infrastructure increasingly unsustainable.
Even at its best, 3G delivers speeds of around 6 megabits per second, compared with typical 4G speeds of 20 to 80 Mbps and 5G speeds that can exceed 100 Mbps. By retiring 3G, the process will free up radio spectrum so it can be used to further improve the coverage and mobile broadband speeds of their latest 4G and 5G networks. This means customers on modern devices will experience faster downloads, more reliable streaming, and improved voice call quality.
What This Means for Customers
O2 has been contacting customers who are still using 3G-only devices, offering advice and upgrade options, with many having already received a text message or letter explaining what is changing. The company is encouraging affected users to visit their local O2 store or contact customer services to arrange an upgrade to a 4G or 5G compatible device.
Customers who had 3G before but still can’t get 4G or 5G today will still be able to make calls and send texts, although they will lose data (mobile broadband) connectivity until further upgrades are deployed, as O2 is not yet switching off its 2G network.
Looking Ahead
The shutdown is part of a nationwide transition agreed by the UK government and mobile industry in 2021, aimed at modernising Britain’s digital infrastructure. With EE, Vodafone and Three having already completed their own 3G switch-offs, the UK is now firmly committed to next-generation mobile connectivity. For the vast majority of users with modern smartphones, this represents a positive step forward, delivering faster, more reliable services that meet the demands of today’s data-intensive applications.