Faster, more reliable network

In line with the Government deadline to phase out 2G and 3G technology, every UK mobile network has committed to switching off their 3G network, and most have already completed their switch-off.

As technology evolves, we’re all relying more and more on fast, reliable data to stay connected. Switching off 3G will allow Virgin Media O2, whose network we share, to continue to invest in expanding 4G and 5G coverage, to make sure all communities have fast and reliable connectivity now and in the future.

3G will be switched off in the UK by the end of 2025.

The 3G network has already been switched off in Durham. From 16 July 2025, 3G will also be switched off in Norwich, Telford and Guildford. We will start switching 3G off on a larger scale across the country from August 2025, beginning with Torquay on 4 August.

We’ve contacted customers who will need to take action to stay connected in this area. If you’re not sure whether you need to do anything to stay connected, visit your local Phone Shop with your phone and we’ll be able to help you.

Take a look at the list of compatible 4G or 5G phone above.

Different phones have different instructions for turning on 4G Calling (VoLTE). To find out how to turn on 4G Calling on your phone, head to our device pages and enter your phone’s manufacturer and model to find instructions.

If you do not have a compatible 4G or 5G phone, you will not be able to connect to our 4G or 5G network. After the 3G switch-off, you will not be able to use the internet without a Wi-Fi connection, and you may notice a decrease in the clarity of your phone calls.

Need to change your phone to get ready for the switch-off? We have a wide selection of compatible 4G and 5G phones to cater to different budgets and requirements.

See our pay monthly phones

See our SIM free phones

If you have a 2G or 3G SIM, after the 3G switch-off, you’ll need to change to a 4G SIM to continue to use the internet without a Wi-Fi connection. You’ll also need a compatible 4G or 5G phone.

You can order a replacement SIM in My Account (if you’re a pay monthly customer), by getting in touch with us via web chat, or by popping in-store. If you’re switching to pay monthly from pay as you go, you’ll need to do this before requesting a new SIM card.

If you’ll need a new SIM to stay connected after the switch-off, we’ll be in touch with you beforehand to let you know, and to help you order a replacement SIM.

We can help you find the phone that’s right for you. All the phones on our website and in our phone shops are compatible 4G or 5G phones, and we have a wide selection to cater to different budgets and requirements.

If you’d like to speak to one of our team about options, you can get in touch with us via web chat or by popping in-store.

4G Calling is only available for our pay monthly customers at the moment. But we’re working on making this service available for our pay as you go customers before the 3G switch-off, to make sure all our customers can continue to stay connected. If you do not want to wait, you can switch to pay monthly now. If you’re switching to pay monthly from pay as you go, you’ll need to do this before requesting a new SIM card.

3G has already been switched off in some countries. If you have a compatible 4G or 5G phone with 4G Calling turned on, there should not be any impact on your roaming experience. But if this is not the case, you may notice an impact on your roaming experience, so please check before you travel.

If you’ve read all the information above and you’re still not sure whether you need to do anything, you can get in touch with us via web chat or by popping in-store. One of our team will be happy to help.