The shutdown marks the final phase of O2’s nationwide plan to retire its ageing 3G service, following earlier switch-offs in Durham, Watford and other towns. The move is part of a wider industry shift towards faster, more efficient 4G and 5G coverage.
Preparing for Life after 3G: What Customers Need to Know
The deactivation of O2’s 3G network in Aberdeen, Dundee and surrounding areas from 5 November is expected to end mobile internet access for users with older phones that are not compatible with 4G or WiFi calling. While customers will still be able to make calls and send texts via the 2G network, those relying on 3G for mobile data while out and about will no longer be able to get online.
According to Virgin Media O2, this change affects not only O2 subscribers but also those on networks that use its infrastructure, including Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, and Sky Mobile. The operator has been contacting affected customers directly with support options and guidance. Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, explained: “We’re fast approaching the end of 2025 and 3G will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks that give our customers a better experience.”
The transition is part of a government-backed initiative to phase out 3G services across the UK. Other major networks including EE, Vodafone, and Three have already completed similar shutdowns earlier in the year. O2 is the last of the four major providers to begin this process, having started in Durham in April before moving on to locations such as Guildford, Norwich, and Torquay.
Users are being advised to check whether their device supports WiFi and 4G calling, which allows them to continue making calls and using data without interruption. For those needing an upgrade, O2 is offering refurbished “Like New” devices at lower prices, and additional support for users with accessibility needs or living in rural areas. The company has confirmed that 2G services will remain active and that emergency call functionality will not be impacted by the 3G phase-out.
A Shift Towards Faster, Cleaner and More Reliable Networks
The retirement of 3G services aligns with a broader industry push to optimise network infrastructure. 3G technology, once revolutionary, now accounts for a shrinking proportion of mobile traffic. According to O2, switching off 3G allows for the reallocation of resources to more modern 4G and 5G networks, which offer faster download speeds, higher call quality, and better energy efficiency.
By retiring 3G, network operators also aim to reduce their carbon footprint, as newer technologies require less power per bit of data transferred. The shift contributes to the industry’s environmental goals and enables the expansion of high-speed connectivity to more areas, including those previously underserved.
This change is particularly relevant for users in rural parts of the UK, where O2 is working under the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme to improve 4G coverage. The operator notes that enhanced 4G networks are already available in many of these regions, reducing the dependency on outdated 3G systems.
In the background, O2 is also preparing to launch a new satellite-based service in 2026, in collaboration with Elon Musk’s Starlink, to extend coverage in remote areas lacking conventional mobile signal. The company says this will complement the switch-off and support efforts to bridge the UK’s digital divide.
As the UK’s mobile ecosystem evolves, those still using 3G-only devices, particularly older adults or users with accessibility needs, may require additional support to navigate the change. O2 encourages such customers to visit local stores or consult its website for help with device compatibility, SIM upgrades, and account accessibility adjustments.
