Telecoms experts issue warning for O2 pulling plug on 3G

In a warning to businesses who may be affected by the move, Managing Director Rob Lister warned: "O2 are announcing that to preserve capacity on their 2G network, they are issuing a stop sell of services starting on October 1, 2024. After this date, they won't be able to accept new orders for these services."

O2 has also indicated that it will withdraw the 2G and 3G inbound roaming services exactly one year after that date for all international partners except Telefonica Spain, and redirect roaming users to their 4G, 5G and LPWAN networks.

Mr Lister added: "For some customers, these changes will happen seamlessly in the background, however, some customers will need to upgrade to a 4G, 5G or LPWAN capable device, and/or upgrade their SIM, and ensure their device supports and has 4G calling/VoLTE turned on for voice calls to work effectively."

For full guidance on how to negotiate these changes and their implications, we are inviting businesses to get in touch.

Back in March, Ofcom issued a timetable for business and consumers on upcoming changes to the comms network.

With UK mobile services currently reliant on four 'generations' of mobile technology: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, the watchdog said 3G had been around since 2003, but was still used deliver calls, texts and lower speed data services.

With providers such as O2 now in the process of switching 3G off, the service which delivers "basic internet service, relies on older, less efficient technology", Ofcom said. Its removal will make room for the more advanced 4G and 5G networks.

Each mobile provider is setting its own date for its 3G network switch-off, and Ofcom says the timings might change.

Vodafone has already completed its switch-off in early 2024, as did EE. And with 02 going for a 2025 exit, Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024.

Lister Unified Communications can be contacted at www.lister-communications.co.uk or by calling 01453 829200.