O2 reveals first area where long-running service will close as Brits warned they could lose data access
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O2 has revealed the first area set to lose a long-running service as the UK prepares for a major shake-up to data connections. And it's a change that will affect other networks running off the back of O2, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
![[Photo illustration of the O2 logo on a smartphone.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/photo-illustration-o2-logo-seen-898680686.jpg?strip=all&w=960){kind=logo}
Experts recently warned Brits to check their phones over the closure of O2's legacy 3G network. The move should ultimately benefit most people with more faster 4G and 5G - but those with some older handsets will lose access to data altogether. Really dated handsets such as the iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini are among them.
![[Person using a mobile phone in front of a Sky logo.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ryw1t1-man-using-mobile-phone-508694414.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
O2 is the last of the "big four" to cease 3G services, as agreed by the industry and the government in 2021. Now the firm has revealed the first area that will see 3G disappear and when. And it's been named as the city of Durham, which will see 3G switched off in April.
![[O2 logo displayed on a smartphone screen.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/r73ygh-logo-mobile-phone-network-963476512.jpg?strip=all&w=960){kind=logo}
O2 says it has started directly contacting the small proportion of customers in the area who don’t currently have a 4G or 5G device to inform them of the changes. Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device for free and all other customers who don’t currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price.
While data access will disappear as a result of the move, calls and texts will remain via 2G, which is staying put. "Switching off 3G will be an important milestone in the evolution of our network, enabling us to focus our attention and investment on faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will deliver improved services for our customers," explained Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer.
