The technology that provided the third generation (3G) of mobile network services is slowly being switched off across the UK.
So far, networks currently use four generations of technology, which include 2G, 3G, 4G and the latest, 5G.
In December 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators (MNOs) that 2G and 3G services would be phased out by 2033.
The networks affected included Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three.
The providers can choose when they wish to end 2G and 3G services within the given timeframe.
Second-generation technology was rolled out during the early 1990s, which was followed by third-generation technology in 2003.
Much has been made of the promise of 5G technology, but many areas are still to receive the network support that will allow people to receive it.
Here is everything you need to know about the switch-off of 3G services.
Which networks will put an end to 3G?
Mobile providers have gradually started to remove 3G networks across the country, to make space for more advanced networks such as 4G and 5G.
The fourth and fifth-generation technologies aim to give customers better, faster and more reliable services.
Vodafone
Vodafone, which currently holds over 18 million customers, has said it plans to switch off 3G across the UK this year, so it can focus on investing more in its 4G and 5G networks.
The mobile network has already switched off its 3G network in Plymouth and Basingstoke and said it will continue its national shutdown throughout this year.
The network will also switch off 3G in Hull, Oxford and Greater London in June.
Later this year, it will turn off the network in the South of England and then the rest of the UK.
To find out if 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are available in your area, customers can put their postcode into the Network Status Checker to stay up to date with the latest.
Customers can check their network status via the website. Pic: Vodafone website
EE
EE has not yet switched off its 3G and plans to “say goodbye” to it in 2024.
The company said it wants to focus on strengthening the “more reliable” 4G and 5G networks.
It added: “The 3G network isn’t energy efficient, and its removal will be the dawn of a more sustainable future.”
The network provider has reassured customers and said over the next year, they will help support people if they need help moving from 3G to 4G or 5G.
To stay up to date with the latest coverage and network status, EE has given customers an easier way to keep track of it on its website.
Virgin Media O2
According to an Ofcom report, O2 has not yet announced its planned 3G switch-off date.
This means that 3G for this network will be available until the network releases details of its switch-off.
You can stay up to date with the network’s coverage checker to see what technologies are available in your area.
Three
Three will gradually phase out 3G network services over the next two years and aims to switch it off by 2024.
Customers will be put onto the UK’s 4G and 5G networks.
It said: “So, now is the perfect time to consider changing your device to one that’s capable of 4G data and 4G Calling (also known as VoLTE) if you haven’t already. We’ll help you every step of the way.”
Customers can now check whether 4G or 5G coverage is available in their area via the network coverage checker.
These are the four main mobile network providers in the UK. All other mobile companies provide their services over these networks.
According to Ofcom, these are:
• Lebara Mobile, Asda Mobile, Talk Mobile and VOXI which use the Vodafone network
• Your Co-op, 1p Mobile, Utility Warehouse, Ecotalk, Plusnet and BT Mobile which use the EE network
• iD Mobile and Smarty, Freedompop and Superdrug Mobile which use the Three network
•Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Lycamobile which use the O2 network
How will this impact me?
Well, if you have an older phone that is only designed for 2G or 3G networks and no later generation, you may not be able to make phone calls, send messages or upload data in the areas where it’s been turned off.
If you have an older device, connecting to the latest technologies, such as 4G and 5G networks might be harder. Pic:iStock
If you are concerned or confused about what to do, speak to your network provider to see what might be the best option for you.
Ofcom has said that even after the 3G switch-off, customers using EE, Vodafone and O2 networks on older devices can still use 2G – until it switches off – to make voice calls and send text messages.
However, given that the uptake of 4G devices is already high, most mobile users are unlikely to be affected.
Networks must give customers up to 12 months’ notice before the 3G switch-off, Ofcom says.
What if I have an old device?
Three – which does not have a 2G network – has advised their customers to change their devices to one that is compatible with 4G and 5G.
Customers using older phones would need to replace these with 4G or 5G capable devices to ensure they can continue receiving their [Network] services and access to emergency services, Ofcom said.
So, if you have an old phone, you will need to upgrade it.
For example, mobile phones such as the iPhone 5C or 5S and above support 4G networks.
For iPhones, here is how you can check if your device has 4G capability:
• Go to settings on your phone
• Head to the “mobile data section” on your settings page
• Select “mobile data options”
• Then select “voice & data”
• On your screen, you should see the network options to which your device has access.
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What will be the impact on other types of devices?
The Ofcom report said the switch-off would affect all devices reliant on 2G and 3G mobile connectivity, such as:
• Telecare alarms – This is a security device which offers remote support to elderly, disabled and vulnerable people who live alone in their own homes.
• Security alarms
• ATMs
• Payment Terminals – This device is also known as a point of sale which takes payment from cards during a purchase.
People are advised to upgrade their networks if they have any of these devices to ensure it still works once 3G networks are switched off across the country.
You can check this with your device supplier or service provider.
The government is working closely with Ofcom and network services across the country to ensure that sectors that rely on 2G and 3G are aware of the changes and are prepared.