Preparing for the 3G Sunset: What Every Business Needs to Know

The era of 5G has arrived. In 2025, these networks will cover one-third of the world’s population, delivering faster, more capable and more reliable connectivity than ever before.

As this technology becomes the status quo, many providers have begun phasing out their 3G infrastructure, with this year being the proposed deadline before these legacy networks are shut down in the UK.

However, a startling number of devices remain reliant on these outdated technologies. According to Ofcom, there were still 2.4 million 3G and 2G devices in use in 2023, and while this was down from the previous year, there are clearly many outdated devices still in use.

It’s not just consumers who could be impacted by the 3G sunset either. More worryingly, hundreds of businesses still utilise these legacy networks.

The impact of the 3G shutdown

Why is it so important that businesses are prepared for the 3G sunset? If your operations are still reliant on legacy networks, here’s how you could be impacted:

Impaired communications

Communication is at the core of what makes a business successful. Once 3G is shut down, any devices dependent on these networks – phones, tablets, etc. – will be rendered obsolete, taking down crucial channels between teams, colleagues and consumers. All of this could damage your reputation and hinder your ability to serve customers.

Operational inefficiency

It’s not just communication that could suffer from the 3G shutdown. If your Internet of Things (IoT) devices rely on 3G, they may stop functioning entirely. This could impact everything from warehouse productivity and data collection to facilities management and even physical security.

Security vulnerabilities

As the tactics of cybercriminals have evolved, so has network security. 5G has far more sophisticated encryption algorithms than 3G, making devices reliant on older networks a prime target for cyberattacks. What’s more, the phasing out of 3G means support for these networks will be withdrawn, and vulnerabilities that emerge won’t be addressed.

4 steps for a seamless transition

If you’re yet to upgrade your technology or suspect your workforce is still utilising outdated 3G equipment, here’s what to do:

1. Audit your devices and systems

Get oversight of all your organisation’s equipment – everything from mobile phones to GPS devices, payment terminals and IoT devices – and identify any that rely on legacy networks.

2. Create an inventory

List these devices, along with information about their location, network carriers and function. This will help when it comes to upgrading your equipment.

3. Upgrade to 4G and 5G-compatible equipment

Any legacy devices will need to be replaced with equipment that can utilise 4G and 5G networks whilst still fulfilling the same functions.

4. Collaborate with trusted providers

Working with a knowledgeable and experienced partner like Virgin Media O₂ Business can streamline your transition. We can help you with each of the above steps, offer you expert guidance, and provide customised solutions and strategies specifically tailored to your organisation’s needs.

The benefits of upgrading to 5G

Transitioning to 5G can undoubtedly be expensive, but it’s about more than just maintaining connectivity. This technology can deliver significant operational benefits for your organisation, including:

Faster data speeds

5G offers significantly faster data speeds than 4G and 3G. This can speed up all of your network-reliant tasks, from transferring data and sharing files to accessing the cloud and conducting transactions.

Reduced latency

5G has ultra-low latency – potentially as little as one millisecond. This enables real-time communication, reduces response times, and streamlines crucial processes.

Greater reliability

To avoid downtime and network dropout, 5G is designed to be more reliable and ensure continuity, even in the event of network failure.

Improved battery life

5G-compatible devices manage their battery more efficiently, meaning your workforce can operate for longer periods without disruption.

Increased capacity

As your organisation grows and utilises more complex equipment like IoT, 5G has the capacity to support a higher number of devices simultaneously.

Sustainability and efficiency

With environmental impact among the key concerns of modern businesses, 5G networks also offer benefits for sustainability, as they’re designed to be more energy efficient than their predecessors. In fact, a faster transition to 5G could save 0.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.

How Virgin Media O₂ Business and Samsung can help

With the 3G sunset approaching this year, it’s essential that your legacy technologies and processes are updated as soon as possible. The benefits of adopting 5G may seem small, but over time, they’ll add to transformational benefits for your operations.

To help you get the most from this transition, Virgin Media O₂ Business, in partnership with Samsung, can provide you with the robust and secure network you need, along with comprehensive support services at every stage of the process.

We also have a large selection of 5G-ready mobile devices available so that, whatever it is your business needs, you can ensure you’re in a strong position once the transition takes place.