O2, one of the UK's major mobile networks, will begin phasing out its 3G services starting with Durham in April 2025, marking the beginning of a nationwide shutdown planned throughout the year [1][2].

The shutdown will affect not only O2 customers but also users of GiffGaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Lyca Mobile, which operate on O2's infrastructure [1]. While voice calls and text messaging will continue to function, affected devices will lose data connectivity.

O2 is implementing support measures for affected customers. "Vulnerable" users will receive free 4G-ready devices, while others without compatible hardware will be offered discounted replacement options [2]. Emergency services access will remain available through 3G during the transition [1].

Elizabeth Anderson, chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance, expressed concerns about the impact: "For many low income households still using older devices, 3G is their primary way of accessing essential online services – from healthcare and education to job applications and vital communication tools" [3].

The shutdown is part of a broader industry initiative agreed upon in 2021, where the UK's major networks - O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three - committed to discontinuing both 2G and 3G signals by 2033 [2]. O2 is the last of the big four networks to implement its 3G shutdown [1].

According to Uswitch data from 2023, smartphone adoption varies significantly by age group, with 98% penetration among 16-24 year olds, compared to 86% for those aged 55-64, and 80% for those 65 and above [4].