O2 confirms exact date and new UK location where | Tech News

Areas together with Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay have all seen O2’s 3G platform disconnected, and subsequent, it is the flip of Watford.

Virgin Media O2 says that this space will see the tip of 3G from September seventeenth – meaning prospects in that location will need 4G or 5G-ready gadgets to entry the web or ship messages by way of online companies resembling WhatsApp.

Customers who don’t improve to a 4G or 5G system earlier than 3G is switched off will nonetheless have the ability to use voice calls and ship textual content messages as they presently do for now, however they might not have the ability to use cell information.

So why is 3G being scrapped?

The reply is straightforward. 3G is now utilized by a tiny quantity of people and switching it off will create more space for quicker 4G and 5G information companies. 3G is just succesful of supplying speeds at round 3Mbps – that is in comparison with 4G which may push issues up to virtually 100Mbps. 3Mbps merely is not fast enough for many wants and will not permit films to be streamed or content material to be seen on platforms resembling TikTok.

O2 says that its 3G community, first launched more than 20 years in the past, carries much less than 2 mum or dad of all community information – a determine which continues to fall.

Speaking concerning the modifications Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, mentioned: “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in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September.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.”

If you assume you or a beloved one will likely be affected, there’s help with Virgin Media O2 offering some prospects the option to improve to a 4G-ready system free of charge.