What is the 3G switch-off? How to find out if your mobile phone will still work in coming months (2024)

The technology that provided the third generation (3G) of mobile network services is being switched off across the UK.

In December 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators (MNOs) that 2G and 3G services would be phased out by 2033.

Networks currently use four generations of technology: 2G, 3G, 4G and the latest, 5G.

Second-generation technology was rolled out during the early 1990s, which was followed by third-generation technology in 2003.

However the introduction of 4G in 2012 and 5G in 2019 means that the earlier generations are considered inferior.

The providers can choose when they wish to end 2G and 3G services within the given timeframe, but they are all moving ahead with the 3G switch-off far sooner than required.

Here is everything you need to know about the switch-off of 3G services.

Which networks will put an end to 3G and when?

The four main mobile network providers in the UK: Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media O2 and Three. All other mobile companies provide their services over these networks, meaning they will all be switching theirs off too.

Mobile providers have gradually started to remove 3G networks across the country, to make space for the more advanced networks.

Vodafone

Vodafone, which currently holds over 18 million customers, said its national 3G switch-off begins in January, after it turned off its 3G network across Plymouth, Basingstoke, Hull, Oxford and Glasgow last year.

The mobile network said it plans to switched off 3G across the UK by the end of February, so it can focus on investing more in its 4G and 5G networks.

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.

EE

EE will begins its switch-off in January, with the aim of having it completed by March.

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 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

Virgin Media O2's 3G switch-off won't start until 2025, the company says, and will happen in phases across the country.

The full switch-off won't be completed until the end of 2025.

The company says it will carry out some "small trials" throughout 2024 and will get in touch with the customers set to be affected with more information closer to the time.

You can stay up to date with the network's coverage checker to see what technologies are available in your area.

Three

Three is gradually phasing out 3G network services with the aim of a full switch-off by the end of this year.

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.

Other UK mobile networks

These are the networks that provide their services via the big four companies listed above.

So, whatever timeframe their big service provider has given will be the same for the smaller companies.

• Lebara Mobile, Asda Mobile, Talk Mobile and VOXI use the Vodafone network
• Your Co-op, 1p Mobile, Utility Warehouse, Ecotalk, Plusnet and BT Mobile use the EE network
• iD Mobile and Smarty, Freedompop and Superdrug Mobile use the Three network
•Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Lycamobile use the O2 network

What about the 2G switch-off?

None of the MNOs have set a specific date for the 2G switch-off, but Ofcom says it expects they will start making plans to switch off their 2G networks after they have switched off 3G - likely towards the latter half of this decade.

How will all of 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 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.