VODAFONE has officially retired its 3G network as part of a UK-wide effort to free up the airwaves for more advanced 4G and 5G services.
The switch-off follows months of warning, from network providers and the UK government, that 3G will no longer be available beyond 2033.
While each network provider has had their own timelines for a switch-off, Vodafone has today joined EE in bidding farewell to 3G forever.
Vodafone, like other providers, had been dismantling its 3G network in stages across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This is to make sure no one is caught by surprise.
Three expect to switch off their own 3G services by the end of 2024.
While O2 will follow suit in 2025.
Stronger 4G and 5G services mean customers across more rural parts of the UK can access faster data services and clearer voice calls.
The switch-off is also part of Vodafone’s Net Zero by 2027 strategy, as modern 5G networks are more energy efficient than the 3G network.
A study published last month by Opinium, commissioned by USwitch, warned that up to 2.7million Brits “could be without access” to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their device.
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That is despite the several awareness campaigns spearheaded by charities and networks themselves to help vulnerable customers with the transition.
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.
Vodafone has an ongoing customer awareness campaign, which it launched in January 2022, warning of the shut-off and offering advice on how to get access to 4G instead.
The 3G switch off comes hand-in-hand with Vodafone extending its 4G coverage to more rural parts of the UK through the government’s £1billion Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme.
“With switch off complete, we can start to redeploy the remaining spectrum which will ultimately lead to stronger and faster 4G and 5G across the UK,” Vodafone’s UK Network Director, Andrea Dona, said in the announcement.
Will I be affected?
Last year, EE revealed to The Sun some of the most popular 3G-only smartphones still being used:
- Doro 6520, Doro 6521, Doro 6620
- Apple iPhone 4S
- TCL 1C
- Nokia 301
- Apple iPhone 4
- Nokia C2-01
- HMD 3310
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- TCL Pixi 4
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.
