Virgin Media O2 2G and 3G Switch Off Announcement

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) have announced they are making changes to their 2G and 3G networks and consumers should take action to prevent disruption.

What is happening?

In 2025, VMO2 plan to phase out 3G services and with recent 3G switch-off trials successfully completed, they remain on track to switch off 3G by the end of next year. This is a move that will reduce energy consumption and deliver enhanced speeds and reliability for customers with more efficient 4G and 5G technologies.

VMO2 are now assessing the future of their older 2G network and will start work to move traffic away from the 2G network, as work is progressing well. Roaming traffic for international partners is also included.

What is changing?

They won’t be turning 2G off completely, as unlike with their 3G network, it will play an important role in carrying emergency calls in areas without 4G coverage and supporting data traffic for Internet of Things (IoT) communications, including smart metering.

After the 1st October 2024, providers won’t be able to accept new orders for 2G and 3G IoT.

Apart from Telefonica Spain, they will also withdraw the 2G and 3G inbound roaming services on the 1st October 2025 for all international partners, redirecting roaming users to their more efficient 4G, 5G and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) networks.

For most consumers, these changes will happen seamlessly in the background, however, some will need to upgrade to a 4G, 5G or LPWAN capable device, and/or upgrade their SIM, and ensure their device supports and has 4G calling/VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) turned on for voice calls to work effectively.

What consumers need to do

Upgrade to 4G, 5G or LPWAN capable devices with 4G calling/VoLTE enabled for voice before the 31st December 2025.

Consumers also need to ensure they are not reliant on 3G after the 31st December 2025 and not reliant on 2G/3G inbound roaming services with O2 after the 30th September 2025

Contact us

For any queries regarding O2's announcement or help with upgrading your device or SIM, please e-mail mobiles@utility-options.co.uk or call 01745 703703.