2g 3g switch off

[Squidley]

I use a PAYG SIM have done for 18 years. I only top upfew times a year. I don't live in a good reception area but need the phone and WhatsApp has been a lifeline.

. My question is  If I buy a new 5G phone can I just put my old SIM into this phone and carry on topping up as and when needed and not have to have a monthly contract. Thx

[Enlli]

If it is a very old SIM it will need replacing.

Best way to do that would be at an O2 shop, taking in photo ID.

However, there still remains question marks on PAYG. At present there is no access to 5G and PAYG has no access to 4G calling which is going to be essential for calls.

Until we know what 02 are going to do about this it is hard to advise, although a new phone and SIM would put you in a better position

[jonsie]

Definitely replace the sim card as suggested by going instore

Your tariff and allowances will remain the same

Don't be tempted to order from customer service please

[MI5]

@Squidley 

O2 will apparently be contacting customers with 3g only phones to offer free or discounted 4g / 5g handsets (not entirely sure how this will work but was announced in a recent press release), so might be worth you holding off any new purchases now until you've spoken to O2.

Guide: How to find help & contact O2 

News report here if you believe it https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/32762874/mobile-provider-o2-closing-down-3g-free-replacement-phone/

[Joe_90]

I think O2 are about to force people on a Pay-as-you-go (Pay-for-what-you-use package where you only top up when credit gets low) to move onto a "Pay £10 a month regardless of whether you use it or not" package with 1GB of data 1000mins of calls and 3000 texts. I received a text from O2 informing me that this is about to happen to my Pay-as-you-go account.

An 02 shop will update your sim card for free so if you want to buy a new phone to use 5G that's the way to go. If you buy a new phone make sure it is NOT tied to a network as you may also want to start looking for another carrier if you are also forced to change. There are quite a few with much better deals than o2 for the same or better monthly pay packages. (Asda for instance at 3GB of data and unlimited calls and texts for £5 a month)

[MI5]

There's no 5g on O2 PAYG so a 5g phone is pointless.