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13 January 2025: virgin Media 02 has today named the city of Durham as the first area where 3G services will be switched off in April. This follows the announcement in 2023 that the legacy 3G network would be switched off in order to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for mobile customers. Those customers with 3G sims, will be required to upgrade to 4G. See link below for information. https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/virgin-media-o2-to-begin-3g-switch-off-in-durham-in-april/ Any customers in Durham who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off will still be able use voice calls and send text messages as they do now, but they would not be able to use mobile data. Simon & Mart volunteer Digital Champions

Work out if the digital phone switchover affects you Systems and equipment which could be impacted by the digital phone switchover include, but are not limited to: • telecare devices (also known as warden call systems) – this sets off an alarm when the person receiving care needs assistance, such as after a fall, which uses analogue phone lines to trigger a response from the emergency services • lift lines – these often rely on analogue telephone lines and may need replacing • door entry systems – some buildings use analogue phone lines for their entry system • security and burglar alarms  • fire alarms • analogue phone lines – your phone line may have already migrated to digital networks  • fax machines If you use any of these systems as part of your care service, you may need to upgrade or replace your equipment, as they may not function as intended on digital telephone lines

Following our research in conjunction with NHS England on digital transformation, there are further government plans to upskill social care staff to support beneficiaries to access social online. The aims are: • Social care professionals to be supported to develop digital skills and drive digital transformation across the sector. • Guidance will set standard for digital transformation of adult social care in providing quality care. • People at home and in care settings to be better supported to reduce hospital admission through new technology Here is the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-to-support-digital-transformation-of-social-care