Three customers warned of major change to mobile network next year – and some users will have to upgrade phone
THREE customers have a little over a year until they are locked out of 3G services for good.
At that point - in late 2024 - customers will need to upgrade their phone if they want to continue using the data plan they pay for.
Three says: "We expect to switch off 3G by the end of 2024, so there’s lot of time for you make the move over to a 4G Calling or 5G device, if you don’t already have one."
It forms part of an industry-wide effort to clear 2G and 3G frequencies from the deck to make room for stronger 4G and 5G services.
Three - which doesn't have a 2G network - says it will contact all customers who will be impacted by the switch-off closer to the time.
Vodafone and EE aim to have dismantled services by early 2024.
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While Virgin Media O2 announced last week it would begin shutting off access to 3G in 2025.
Will I be affected?
Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services, according to figures from Vodafone.
The decision to axe 3G will mostly affect people with older devices.
This is because these devices don't have the in-built radio technology that is needed for 4G or 5G connection.
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So, it's nothing to worry about if you actively use 4G or 5G.
The devices that will be affected will have been released pre-2012, before 4G was introduced to airwaves.
Don't worry if 4G or 5G hasn't arrived in your area yet either, Three - and other networks - will ensure data is replaced with an alternative.
"By the time 3G switch off happens in 2024, we will have upgraded sites to 4G as a minimum, or ensured coverage is provided from neighbouring sites," according to Three.
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 after your network provider's cut-off date.
However, you will still be able to use your usual texts and calls 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.
Telecoms regulator for consumers on the switch-off on their website.
If your unsure if your device can access 4G, there's a simple way to check in your phone settings.
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.
Alternatively, you can check your device model and release date to see if you'll be affected.
Below were the first 4G compatible phones to be put on the market:
- iPhone 5 16GB
- iPhone 5 32GB
- iPhone 5 64GB
- Samsung Galaxy S III LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE
- HTC One XL
- Huawei Ascend P1 LTE
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If you have one of these devices, or your device is newer, then you're in the clear.
But if not, you won't be able to make use of your data plan beyond 2025, depending on who your provider is.
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