Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today revealed that customers in the large Hertfordshire (England) town and borough of Watford will be the next UK location to go through their 3G mobile (broadband) switch-off programme on 17th September 2025. This follows completed withdrawals in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay.
The process, which is due to reach nationwide completion by the end of 2025, should free up radio spectrum so it can be used to further improve the coverage and mobile broadband speeds of their modern 4G and 5G networks. O2 noted how they had already upgraded masts in the new locations ahead of the switch-off. The switch-off will also reduce the operators’ costs and power consumption.
The switch-off means that customers in Watford, including those on O2’s virtual / MVNO operators (e.g. Sky Mobile, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile), will require at least a 4G SIM and handset to continue using mobile data. But they are not switching 2G services off yet, which means that affected customers will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do, at least for now.
O2 plans to start shifting customers away from 2G during 2025 too, but they and other mobile network operators won’t be able to completely withdraw it for several years (here).
Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s CTO, said:
“Switching off our 3G network will enable us to focus our investment on upgrading faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks, giving our customers a better overall experience.
Following on from successful switch-offs in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September. 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 Watford 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.”
As usual, all of this is being supported by a campaign of communication and engagement with local customers. For example, known vulnerable customers have already been contacted with an offer of a 4G-ready device “free of charge“, while all other customers who do not currently have a 4G handset or SIM are said to have been offered upgrades at a reduced price.
O2 states that their 4G coverage already reaches 99% of the UK’s population, and 5G is available to 77% of the country.