3G switch-off in the UK
The UK is lagging behind, here's all you need to know about the 3G switch-off in the UK.
3G was the third generation of mobile communication technology, launched in the UK back in the early 2000s. It’s been operating for 20 years at this point, but it’ll soon cease to exist on some networks in the UK. This post will detail what steps you may need to take due to the switch off.
This follows actions that providers in other countries have already taken out years ago (the UK is slow to adopt change).
Providers shutting off the 3G network
Here is the timetable for providers shutting off the 3G network in the UK. Bear in mind that all 2G/3G networks within the UK have to be shut off before 2033.
Vodafone (in progress) - 3G network has been shut off in some areas and they aim to shut it off by late 2023 [includes providers like VOXI, Lebara and ASDA]
EE - 3G network is planned to be turned off in early 2024, a trial is planned in Warrington from July [includes providers like 1pmobile and Lycamobile]
Three - 3G network is planned to be turned off by late 2024 [includes providers like Smarty and Superdrug Mobile]
O2 - 3G network will be shut off in waves in 2025 [includes providers like Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile]
What does the closure even mean for me?
The 3G closure means that voice and text services will only be available over 2G, unless you have VoLTE (voice over LTE, also referred as 4G Calling) enabled on your device. The 2G service is largely outdated, and there are major security issues surrounding it. Plus, on most devices, when making a call over 2G and you’re not connected to a WiFi connection, you can’t do any web browsing since it is virtually impossible to do any web browsing over 2G.
If you’re using an old phone that isn’t 4G capable, this’ll also mean that you’ll be forced to 2G only for everything. Since 4G has been around since the early 2010s, most people should be fine, and it’s estimated that only 4% of mobile traffic is carried out on 3G anyways.
You may also experience a coverage loss. For most people, this shouldn’t be an issue since most providers use some 3G frequencies for 4G connections (e.g. O2 uses 900MHz & 2100MHz 3G, which they also use for 4G (with additional frequencies like 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2300Mhz) but if a cell tower does not have 4G capable equipment, then this will cause issues.
How do I enable 4G calling so I don’t have to use 2G to make calls with?
This varies depending on your device and provider. I’d recommend just searching for this information, but I can try and help with some operators. Also, there's no extra charges for enabling 4G calling, it's free, and any calls taken over 4G will be used from your minutes.
EE - text Handset to 150
O2 - if you're on the legacy billing system, head to https://mymobile.o2.co.uk. If prompted, sign into your account (signing in with your SIM won’t work for this for some reason). After that, click Menu > More > WiFi and 4G calling. If it’s not enabled, turn it on. If you're on the 360 billing system, it is automatically enabled. PAYG customers do not have VoLTE or 5G.
Vodafone - website seems to make me believe that it’s enabled automatically on all SIMs
To check that your device supports it, you can try Vodafone's IMEI checker on their 4G calling page (https://www.vodafone.co.uk/set-up-4g-calling/), but I'd just try and Google whether your device supports it.
Is there any providers who don’t support it?
I’m going off of Wikipedia for this, which seems to be fairly accurate as far as I can see. Anyways here are the providers that currently don’t support it:
Giffgaff - runs on O2
Lycamobile - runs on EE now, still hasn't added VoLTE with the O2 to EE switch
Plusnet Mobile - stopped accepting new customers, closing down in January iirc. Customers can get exclusive EE plans though, which does support 4G calling.
Superdrug Mobile - I assume this will be done fairly soon considering Three has no 2G network
Anyways, I think I’ve gone through the major things with the 3G switch-off. Hopefully I’m able to inform some people before it is too late. Before you go, consider subscribing and sharing though!
Edits
EE advice has been changed to text Handset to 150
Displayed information about EE closure in Warrington
Added information on 7/9/23 about O2’s 3G switchoff announcement
Changed information about Lycamobile with migration to EE network
Removed information regarding Virgin Mobile
Added information for VoLTE on O2 PAYG
Added information for VoLTE on O2 PAYM 360 billing