O2 confirms exact date and new UK location where your phone may soon stop working

Some big changes are taking place across the UK with Britain's 3G mobile network being sent to the history books. This ageing technology, which first launched back in in 2003, has already been shut down by firms such as EE and Vodafone, now Virgin Media O2 is slowly hitting the off switch as well.

Areas including Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay have all seen O2's 3G platform disconnected, and next, it's the turn of Watford.

Virgin Media O2 says that this area will see the end of 3G from September 17th - that means customers in that location will need 4G or 5G-ready devices to access the internet or send messages via online services such as WhatsApp.

Customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able to use voice calls and send text messages as they currently do for now, but they would not be able to use mobile data.

So why is 3G being scrapped?

The answer is simple. 3G is now used by a tiny number of people and switching it off will create more space for faster 4G and 5G data services. 3G is only capable of supplying speeds at around 3Mbps - that's compared to 4G which can push things up to almost 100Mbps. 3Mbps simply isn't fast enough for most needs and won't allow movies to be streamed or content to be viewed on platforms such as TikTok.

O2 says that its 3G network, first launched more than 20 years ago, carries less than 2 parent of all network data – a figure which continues to fall.

Speaking about the changes Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “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in Durham, Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay, we’re now turning our attention to Watford, which will have 3G withdrawn on 17 September.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 think you or a loved one will be affected, there is help with Virgin Media O2 offering some customers the option to upgrade to a 4G-ready device free of charge.