Warning to 4.3m O2, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, and Giffgaff customers who may lose mobile data services this year

• Uswitch issues warning as O2 switches off its 3G service this year to make room for more advanced 4G and 5G networks
• Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff and Sky Mobile customers may also be affected, as these providers operate on O2’s network
• Nearly one in twenty (6%) or almost 3M O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, and Sky Mobile customers don’t know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready ^[1]
• More than 4.3 ^[1] million Brits could potentially be left without access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their device
• Uswitch is offering affected mobile users advice on how to make sure they are ready for the switchover

Uswitch is warning 4.3 million customers who could be using older 3G mobile devices, as O2 is set to become the final UK provider to switch off its 3G service this year, shifting its focus to faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks.

Vodafone, Three, and EE have already completed the switch-off, with O2 the last mobile network operator left to turn its 3G network off. 

This change will also affect Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff and Sky Mobile, which operate on O2’s network, so customers with older devices should check they are compatible with 4G or 5G.

According to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, almost 3 million O2, Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff and Sky Mobile customers don’t know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, and more than 1.3 million say they still use a 3G handset.^[2]

This means over four million consumers could lose access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their devices or take the steps recommended by their providers.

The switch-off won’t impact most mobile customers, as the majority already use 4G or 5G-enabled devices and will experience no disruption to their service. The 3G switch-off primarily impacts internet access for users with older devices or services. However, calls and texts will remain available on all mobile phones.

Over the coming months, O2 and the providers using its network will be in touch with affected customers to provide additional support to customers who need it.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “The 3G switch-off, which began last year, is a crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks, offering significantly faster and more reliable connectivity than 3G.

“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.

“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.  

“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.

“It’s also worth running a coverage check for your area - Ofcom has one on its website - 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.

“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.”

Visit Uswitch.com to compare the best 4G and 5G mobile deals.

ENDS