O2 Warns Customers: Hundreds of Phones to Lose Functionality Soon

Major Changes to O2’s 3G Network Affecting Millions of Users

O2, a leading mobile network provider in the UK, has issued a warning to its customers about an upcoming significant change that will impact some older devices. The company is gradually phasing out its 3G network in favor of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services. This move follows similar actions by other major providers such as EE and Vodafone.

The transition from 3G to newer technologies means that customers who have not upgraded their devices may find that they can no longer use mobile data. However, they will still be able to make calls and send text messages without any issues. According to O2, the 3G network currently accounts for less than two percent of total network traffic, which implies that most users with modern devices won’t notice any changes.

Despite this, there are concerns that the switch could leave older or vulnerable customers unable to use their phones effectively. Virgin Media O2’s 3G network was launched 20 years ago but has since become outdated. The company has already started deactivating parts of the network, beginning with Durham in April this year, followed by Norwich, Telford, and Guildford in subsequent months.

By August, Torquay will be next to lose 3G connectivity, with the entire UK network expected to be fully withdrawn by the end of the year. This change will also affect customers using networks that rely on O2’s 3G infrastructure, including Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and giffgaff.

To support older and less tech-savvy customers who might still be using older devices, Virgin Media O2 has partnered with Age UK. Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of helping those who may be impacted by the change. She stated that while most customers already use 4G or 5G handsets, the priority is to assist the minority who may need help transitioning.

Age UK will provide additional support through its website, social media, and Advice Line, offering information and guidance to those needing to upgrade their phones. Customers with old, unwanted handsets are encouraged to recycle them via O2 Recycle, which may offer cash in exchange for their devices.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the potential challenges for older people during this transition. She noted that while those who do not wish to change their handsets can still make calls and send texts, mobile data access will be affected.

Devices Affected by the 3G Switch-Off

A full list of affected devices includes:

• iPhone
  
  Apple iPhone 1 Generation, Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 3GS, Apple iPhone 4, Apple iPhone 4S, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S

• Samsung
  
  Samsung ZV60, Samsung Binou, Samsung GT-C3592, Samsung SGH-X830, Samsung BEAT S, Samsung Galaxy Fame, Samsung SGH-E630, Samsung SGH-J600, Samsung SLIDER, Samsung BEAT DJ, Samsung Armani, Samsung Marvel, Samsung Galaxy Ace Style, Samsung GT-E2100B, Samsung SGH-F110, Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

• Sony
  
  Sony Ericsson WT13I, Sony Ericsson W705, Sony Ericsson Rachael, Sony Ericsson T650I, Sony Ericsson VIVAZ PRO, Sony Ericsson W715, Sony Xperia M2, Sony Ericsson W700I, Sony Ericsson W580C, Sony Ericsson W760I, Sony Xperia Z2, Sony Xperia L, Sony Xperia E

• Oneplus
  
  Oneplus One, Oneplus 2, Oneplus X

• LG
  
  LG Calisto, LG Pop, LG Prada, LG Town, LG Cookie Lite, LG A140, LG A133, LG G5400, LG Viewty Smart, LG KF600, LG KF700, LG Optimus Chat, LG L40, LG KE500, LG L343I, LG X Screen, LG KF310, LG New Chocolate, LG KG130, LG G1600

• Doro
  
  Doro 6620, Doro 1380, Doro 2404, Doro 6521, Doro 6040, Doro PRIMO 805, Doro 1370, Doro PHONEEASY 612, Doro 6520, Doro 6530, Doro PRIMO 401, Doro 2424, Doro 6051, Doro LIBERTO 810

• Google
  
  Google Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4, Google Nexus S, Google ONE M8 Google PLAY EDITION, Google Nexus 5, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus ONE

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• Xiaomi
  
  Xiaomi MI A1, Xiaomi MI 3, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Pro, Xiaomi MI 5C, Xiaomi Redmi, Xiaomi Redmi 1S, Xiaomi MI 1S, Xiaomi MI 4 LTE

• OPPO
  
  OPPO N1T, R7 Plus F, Find 7 Mini, A113K, R7, Find 7A, Joy, R7 Plus, R7S, 1107, A125

• Huawei
  
  Huawei U8660, Huawei Honor 6X, Huawei Ascend G620S, Huawei G7300, Huawei Ideos X1, Huawei Honor 7, Huawei HONOR G Play, Huawei P8, Huawei U8850, Huawei Ascend G7, Huawei U5110, Huawei Ascend Y300, Huawei Honor, Huawei Sonic, Huawei Honor 5X, Huawei Ascend G510, Huawei Ascend P6

• Motorola
  
  Motorola MOTO E, Motorola EM30, Motorola Motokey Social, Motorola Flipout, Motorola Rokr E8, Motorola WX160, Motorola Razr2 V8, Motorola MOTOLUXE, Motorola V171, Motorola T722I, Motorola RAZR I, Motorola E365, Motorola ES405B, Motorola M930, Motorola Z6, Motorola EX211, Motorola M3588, Motorola STARTAC 130, Motorola V975, Motorola C118V

• Nokia
  
  Nokia 220, Nokia 106.1, Nokia C2-01, Nokia Lumia 925, Nokia 110, Nokia 5140, Nokia 3000, Nokia Lumia 735, Nokia 216, Nokia Asha 201, Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia 106, Nokia 7200, Nokia 6310I, Nokia 6500 Classic, Nokia C3-01I, Nokia E5-00, Nokia 8890, Nokia 105, Nokia 6700 Classic, Nokia 6310, Nokia 3.1 PLUS, Nokia 6301, Nokia C6-01, Nokia 8250, Nokia 105 2022, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2330 Classic

• Alcatel
  
  Alcatel One Touch 990, Alcatel One Touch 255, Alcatel One Touch 710, Alcatel 2003, Alcatel One Touch 665, Alcatel One Touch 1046G, Alcatel One Touch 660, Alcatel One Touch PIXI 3 (4.5), Alcatel 2051X, Alcatel 1030X, Alcatel 1068, Alcatel One Touch 2000X, Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 4.7, Alcatel X230D, Alcatel 1060, Alcatel One Touch POP C1, Alcatel One Touch 2005X, Alcatel One Touch 322, Alcatel 3025, Alcatel 1C, Alcatel 3C, Alcatel 2057, Alcatel One Touch 810F, Alcatel One Touch Xtra, Alcatel A3 Plus, Alcatel One Touch 2045, Alcatel OT-E227, Alcatel One Touch 1013X, Alcatel One Touch 209, Alcatel One Touch 232, Alcatel One Touch 363, Alcatel One Touch Tpop

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