BBC iPlayer to stop working on some Virgin Media TV boxes

Virgin Media has warned customers using older TiVo boxes to upgrade, as these older models will not support BBC iPlayer from July.

The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected.

Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box.

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When will BBC iPlayer stop working on old Virgin Media TV boxes?

BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on Wednesday (July 23).

So customers will need the upgrade before then.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July.

"As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.”

Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media)

Virgin Media O2 continues 3G switch off

Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 continued its 3G switch off last week.

The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years.

Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks.

Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.

While last Wednesday (July 16), Virgin Media O2 switched off its 3G network in:

• Norwich
• Telford
• Guildford

📡 We're continuing our 3G switch-off programme.

Next up: Norwich, Telford, Guildford & Torquay.

This move frees up spectrum for faster, more reliable #4G & #5G – keeping our customers better connected.

📱 Read more: https://t.co/dAw44ovtL6 pic.twitter.com/5j1GBg58Rc

— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025

The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed.

The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said.

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The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:

• Giffgaff
• Sky Mobile
• Tesco Mobile

Any customers who don’t upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data.

If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.