Millions of iPhone and Android users are about to LOSE access to 3G and aren’t ready – here’s what you need to know

MILLIONS of smartphone owners across the UK are not yet ready to lose access to 3G services as part of the nationwide shutdown, a new study suggests.

Three of the four main network providers, Vodafone, EE and Three, will be dismantling 3G services this year.

It forms part of plans to make room on the airwaves for more advanced 4G and 5G services across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

But a new study by Opinium, commissioned by USwitch, has warned 13 per cent of mobile users still don’t know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready.

While five per cent of those surveyed say they still use a 3G handset.

The survey suggests this equates to 2.7million Brits who “could be without access to mobile [broadband]” if they do not upgrade their device in the coming weeks to months.

Vodafone will lead the charge by shutting off access to 3G by early 2024.

EE and Three expect to switch off their own 3G services by the end of 2024.

While O2 will follow suit in 2025.

The government and network carrier’s agreed in December 2021 that all UK mobile network operators will switch off 2G and 3G by 2033 at the latest.

The move will see more airwaves freed up to support 4G and 5G services, so people can get better connection and higher speeds.

All network operators are staggering the 3G switch off, to make sure no one is caught by surprise.

Will I be affected?

If you’re phone can use 4G or 5G services, you won’t be affected by the switch-off.

To check if your phone is 4G-compatible, just follow these steps.

If you have an iPhone, simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > General > Cellular.
• Here if you see Enable 4G LTE option, your phone is 4G compatible.
• You can select this option to enable 4G.

For Android users, follow this:

• Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
• Here you will see if your phone has the option of selecting a 4G/LTE mode.
• If the mode is listed, your phone is 4G enabled.

Can I still use my mobile data?

If your phone is only compatible with 2G and 3G, you will no longer be able to access most of your mobile data allowance.

You must upgrade your phone to a newer model that can connect to 4G or 5G if you want to use your mobile data.

This has led campaigners to warn that turning off 3G networks will lead to people with older phones falling into “digital poverty,” according to the BBC.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has offered advice for consumers on the switch-off on their website.