Britain Phases Out 3G: Virgin Media O2 to Be Last to Switch Off
December 30, 2025
Britain is on the cusp of transitioning to a post-3G era as Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) prepares to disconnect its 3G network, potentially leaving some sites active for a short while longer. This move follows the industry's trend of discontinuing 3G services, with most major networks completing their switch-offs by early 2024.
Timeline of the 3G Shutdown
Virgin Media O2 began its 3G phase-out in Durham, northeast England, in April and extended to Scotland in early November. The company states that it will complete its shutdown "in the coming weeks," after successful pilot programs throughout 2025. Several other providers, including BT/EE, Vodafone, and Three, have already ceased their 3G services.
Impact on Consumers
Customers who haven't upgraded to 4G or 5G devices before 3G services are turned off will still be able to make calls and send texts. However, they will lose access to mobile data, which means websites and many smartphone apps will no longer function on their devices.
This change affects not only VMO2 subscribers but also customers on networks that use VMO2 infrastructure, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, and Sky Mobile. The transition is part of a broader government initiative aiming for all 2G and 3G networks to be phased out by 2033.
Why is 3G Being Phased Out?
The previous UK government announced plans in 2021 to retire 2G and 3G networks, citing their limited data capabilities and age. The spectrum freed up will now be redirected to bolster 4G and 5G networks, providing users with faster, more reliable connections.
By early 2024, BT/EE and Vodafone had completed their own shutdowns, with Three ending its 3G operations by November 2024. Some small sites may continue to offer 3G into 2025 to ensure continued service for certain users.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Jeanie York, VMO2's Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the final stages of the transition:
"Our 3G network has already been withdrawn across many UK locations, with the final areas set to follow shortly. You may still see a 3G signal in some places for a short period in early 2026, but the network will soon be switched off entirely. We urge anyone still using a 3G-only handset to upgrade as soon as possible."
While some users have expressed concern about losing reliable 3G coverage in their areas, industry executives highlight that the majority of the spectrum usage for 3G has become outdated, supporting only a tiny fraction of current mobile data needs.
Coverage and Industry Goals
The UK government has aimed for 95% of the population to have coverage by the end of 2023, though there have been doubts about hitting this target. Aiming higher, BT plans to offer a 99% 5G Standalone (5G SA) service by the end of the decade.
Kester Mann of CCS Insight reflected on the necessity of the move:
"This is a necessary move for the industry; 3G carries only a tiny fraction of all mobile data, and reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G will improve the overall smartphone experience for users."
Reflection on 3G's Legacy
Introduced in the UK in March 2003, 3G marked a significant leap from the early Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), enabling more reasonable mobile browsing experiences. However, the technology faced a rocky start due to high license costs and initial technical issues. Its early years were marked by unprofitability, especially for operators like Three.
Industry experts have been critical of 3G's impact and hype. Paolo Pescatore, founder of PP Foresight, summed up the sentiment:
"Amen to 3G, one of the most overhyped network technologies with unmet expectations, inflated spectrum auctions, complex network build, and poor user experience."
In contrast, 4G's rollout has supported many modern smartphone applications, marking a technological evolution critical to the current digital landscape.
Note: The transition from 3G to newer networks is a significant step in telecommunications, aiming to deliver faster, more efficient, and more reliable mobile services for the future.