Does my phone support 4G? UK 3G outage explained and how to check if you need a new phone

3G mobile services in the UK will be phased out over the next few years from early 2023.

3G networks have been in existence since 2003 and are used to provide low speed calls, SMS and data services. However, with the advent of a much more efficient and reliable 5G, they will become obsolete.

For most mobile users, the end of 3G won’t be a problem as modern phones connect to 4G or 5G, but some older phone users will need to replace their devices or SIM cards.

Here’s everything you need to know about the closure and what you need to do to get ready.

When will 3G networks be turned off?

The UK’s four largest mobile operators – Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three – have signed an agreement with the government to phase out 3G.

These networks also power smaller mobile networks so that all providers are affected.

Vodafone began shutting down 3G services in February 2023 and plans to shut down the entire 3G network by December. Vodafone also supplies the network for Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talk Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Voxi.

HER will also phase out 3G services over the course of 2023 and completely close the network early next year. EE supports BT, Plusnet and Utility Warehouse.

O2 has not yet announced when it will stop providing 3G services. O2 powers the Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile networks.

Three plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of 2024. The Three network also supports iD and Smarty.

Why are 3G networks disabled?

Cellular operators are gradually phasing out 3G networks, giving way to more advanced 4G and 5G networks. 4G and 5G provide customers with better, faster and more reliable services.

There is only a limited amount of spectrum that can be used by cellular networks, and demand for 5G is growing rapidly.

Three reported that 5G usage on its network has increased by 358 percent over the past year.

Will my phone be affected?

If you are already using a newer 4G or 5G device, you don’t need to do anything. Some 4G devices may still require a software or settings update to ensure all your calls are made on the correct network.

Your wireless service provider will contact you to let you know if you are affected and what steps to take.

You can also check if your phone is 4G compatible by yourself by searching the internet for manufacturers and models by specifications.

Check your phone yourself by going to Settings > Connections > Cellular networks > Network mode on android and Settings > General > Cellular on an iPhone.

If you’re using an older device that doesn’t support 4G or 5G, you’ll need to buy a new one to continue accessing your mobile data, or buy a SIM card from a network that still uses 3G.

Customers using the EE, Vodafone and O2 networks on older devices can still make calls and send text messages even after 3G is turned off. These services may use the 2G network, which is not yet disabled. However, the 2G network is not designed to access data services, so customers with older devices will not be able to access most of their mobile data services after turning off 3G (although older devices can connect to Wi-Fi, customers may continue to use data transmission).

Ofcom says: “If you’re worried that you won’t be able to afford a new device, let your ISP know. They can offer additional support and help you find available options. It’s also worth looking around – standard 4G phones are available for as little as £10.”