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10 hours ago
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It's the go-to network provider for millions of people across the UK.
But if you use O2, your phone could soon become defunct.
The tech giant is set to switch off its 3G service this year, leaving many older devices without access to the internet.
The change will also affect Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff and Sky Mobile, which all operate on O2's network.
'3G has been superseded by 4G and 5G networks over recent years, with the 3G network carrying less and less traffic,' O2 explained.
'By focusing our investment on 4G and 5G, we'll be able to further expand and upgrade services.
'And it means you'll be able to benefit from quicker download speeds and higher quality voice calls.'
Ahead of the switch-off, O2 has a released a full list of devices that will become defunct - so, is yours on the list?
It's the go-to network provider for millions of people across the UK. But if you use O2, your phone could soon become defunct. Pictured: iPhone 5S
O2 is set to switch off its 3G service this year, leaving many older devices without access to the internet
O2 is the last UK network provider to switch off its 3G network, with Vodafone, Three, and EE all completing their switch-offs last year.
'Nothing will change for you right now,' O2 explains on its website.
While the exact date for the switch-off remains unclear, O2 adds that in will 'get in touch with more information closer to the time'.
The switch-off won't impact most customers, as the majority already use 4G or 5G-enabled devices.
However, Uswitch estimates that around four million consumers are still using 3G-enabled devices, which means they'll soon lose access to the internet.
Calls and texts will remain unaffected, as these don't use 4G.
Somewhat confusingly, O2 is not switching off its 2G network.
'We aren't switching off our 2G network. But we'll be moving you away from our older 2G and 3G networks to provide you with a better mobile experience,' it explained.
Hundreds of Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, LG, Doro, Google, Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, and Alcatel, have been flagged by O2. Pictured: Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
Explained: 5G, mobile phone data and more
Mobile data is the internet connectivity delivered to your mobile devices.
All the information is sent and received by your smartphone via a wireless 3G, 4G or even 5G connection.
4G is increasingly being replaced by 5G, which is considerably faster than previous generations and is able to deliver larger amounts of data faster.
Meanwhile, 3G is being phased out, 20 years after it first launched in Britain.
It's expected that 6G – the sixth generation of cellular technology and successor to 5G – will become available in the early 2030s.
'At the same time, we'll be expanding our 4G and 5G coverage across the UK.
'In the future, you'll need to make sure that you have a 4G or 5G-ready device to continue making calls, sending messages and using data.'
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, explained that the 3G switch-off is a 'crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks.'
'While the majority of customers do have a 4G or 5G compatible phone, there will still be a proportion of customers with older devices who will need to upgrade this year,' he said.
Several Apple models will be affected by the switch-off, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 5, and iPhone 5S.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, LG, Doro, Google, Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, and Alcatel, have been flagged by O2 (full list at the bottom of this article).
If you have one of these devices and don't want to lose access to the internet, you'll need to upgrade to a 4G-compatible device.
'If you're still using an older phone, you can check your device's 4G and 5G compatibility by looking for "Network Mode" or "Prefered Network" under "Network" or "Mobile Data" in your Settings. If you see 4G or 5G, your phone is compatible,' Mr Doku advised.
'If you do need to upgrade, there are plenty of affordable options out there, and it may be worth looking into a refurbished device if you're not looking for the latest launches and don't want a costly upgrade.'
Mr Doku also recommends running a coverage check for your area - especially if you live rurally and have previously relied on 3G.
'Most of the country has strong 4G or 5G coverage, but it's always a good idea to check which networks have the best coverage in the places you frequent most,' he added.
'The 3G switch-off is an important step in moving us towards a faster and more reliable service, but consumers must be fully aware of their network plans and how it might impact their device.'
Full list of devices affected by O2's 3G switch-off
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
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
