O2, and all the other UK high-street mobile networks, are turning off their 3G service. It is a UK-wide transition to a newer mobile technology — 4G and 5G. This decision is here to switch from an older service to a better coverage. This means faster data speeds, but leaves some people trying to determine how it will impact them.
If you rely on an older phone or similar devices, the question is: will your phone still be usable after the O2 3G network shutdown? Let’s figure everything out in this article.
Understanding Why O2 Is Shutting Down 3G
The move away from 3G has been ongoing for quite some time. This technology, the first to appear in the early 2000s, was revolutionary at the time. It opened consumers to internet access. With it came things like emails and low-definition video streaming. But considering today’s level of technology, it’s outdated, slow, and wasteful.
O2 is shutting down 3G for two main reasons. First, to free up the spectrum. Mobile spectrum is limited, and by closing down 3G, the company can reuse the frequencies to make its 4G stronger and introduce 5G services.
Second, using 3G is not popular anymore. Nearly all customers, except a minority, now use 4G or 5G for data on their mobiles, so 3G has become increasingly unused anyway.
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has called on all networks to turn off 3G. Other major providers are also turning off 3G, to do so by the end of 2025.
Understanding Who Will Be Affected
If you’re using a modern smartphone released in the last 5 to 7 years, you’re probably in the clear. Most current devices support both 4G and 5G, and they’ve been using these networks by default. However, the shutdown of the 3G network by the O2 company may cause problems if your phone is older or if you’re using devices that specifically rely on 3G.
Here’s who might be affected:
- Owners of older smartphones that are not 4G-enabled. Budget phones or phones made before 2014 likely fall into this category.
- Smartwatches and tablets with built-in mobile data that are locked to 3G.
- Business devices like card readers, GPS trackers, security alarms, and vehicle telematics that use embedded 3G SIMs.
- People in rural areas who have previously used 3G when 4G was not an option.
It’s worth noting that O2 has said it will continue to support 2G for now, mainly for calls and texts. But this network is extremely limited and slow. It won’t support mobile data usage in any meaningful way.
Steps to Check if Your Phone Supports 4G or 5G
If you’re not sure whether your phone is 3G-only, there are a few simple ways to check:
- In your phone settings, in Mobile Network or Cellular settings, look for “Preferred network type.” If you see options like 4G or LTE, your phone is compatible.
- Check your phone model online. Go to the manufacturer’s website and look for your device specs.
- Insert your SIM card in another phone and see if 4G appears in the status bar.
- Use O2’s device compatibility tools if they exist, or ring their customer support for advice.
It is still possible for 4G-capable phones to need a feature called VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to make voice calls over it. If your phone lacks this option, you may still lose voice calling after 3G disappears, so check for this as well.
If your device supports only 3G, this is what will most probably happen after the shutdown:
- No access to the internet. Your phone will not be able to access mobile data, so apps, web access, and streaming services won’t function.
- No voice calls. Unless your device can make calls over 2G or supports VoLTE on 4G, voice services will cease entirely.
- Emergency calls will also be at risk if the phone cannot connect to any other kind of network.
- Business-critical devices, like remote monitors or alarm systems using 3G SIMs, might not work unless replaced or upgraded.
In short, your phone may still function. However, its essential capabilities will be limited or unavailable. If you discover your phone or device is 3G-only, don’t panic — just act fast. Companies like UCtel might be able to help with that.
Your options are:
- Upgrade your phone. Consider switching to a phone that’s at least 4G-capable. Most networks, including O2, have upgrade and trade-in deals.
- Upgrade your SIM card. Some older SIMs won’t be 4G-compatible, even if your phone is. You can have O2 upgrade your SIM for free.
- Activate VoLTE. If you have a 4G calling-enabled phone, make sure this feature is activated. The voice calls are operational even when 3G is no longer available.
- Use Wi-Fi for calls. On certain phones, you are able to use Wi-Fi for calls, which can be a valuable backup if mobile reception isn’t good.
- Call O2 customer service for help with figuring out the best upgrade path or new phone.
The takeaway: get ahead of the curve. Don’t wait until you lose coverage.
Special Considerations for Business Users
For businesses, the 3G shutdown isn’t just about smartphones, as professionals like Uctel might tell you. A wide range of equipment, like vending machines, vehicle tracking, warehouse sensors, and card readers, still relies on 3G for connectivity. Unless they are upgraded, these devices will suddenly become out of service.
It’s a good time to audit your systems. Check what assets rely on 3G SIMs and talk about migration plans with O2 or your carrier. Vendors are offering upgrades to 4G-capable equipment or firmware updates where possible.
Inaction might lead to service loss, missed transactions, or regulatory issues. It’s best to think of everything before that happens.
Conclusion
The decision to move away from the 3G network marks the beginning of a new era for UK mobile connectivity. It’s a move towards improving speed, reliability, and coverage through 4G and 5G. But for those with older phones or legacy devices, it’s an alarm call.
If your phone is 3G only, it’s time to switch. If you don’t, you risk losing access to services like the internet, voice calls, and emergency access. But don’t panic, there’s plenty of support on hand from O2 and other networks!
Will your mobile still work after O2 cuts off 3G? It’s all down to whether your phone is future-proof. Check now to stay connected.
