UK Set To Switch Off 2G/3G Networks in 2023.

UK Networks to switch off 2G and 3G

Introduction

You may not have heard of this, but there's going to be a major change in the UK mobile phone network over the next year. UK providers have announced that they're going to switch off their 2G and 3G networks, which means your old phones will stop working if you don't upgrade them.

When will 2G/3G be phased out??

Each mobile provider is setting its own timetable for its 3G network switch-off. These timings might change and you should check your mobile provider’s website for the latest update:

• Vodafone?started 2022.
• EE?plans to start its switch-off in early 2024.
• Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024.
• O2 has not yet announced any switch-off plans.

These are the four main mobile network providers in the UK. All other mobile companies provide their services over these networks. For example:

• Lebara Mobile,?Asda Mobile,?Talk Mobile?and?VOXI?use the Vodafone network.
• Your Co-op,?1p Mobile,?Utility Warehouse, Ecotalk, Plusnet and?BT Mobile?use the EE networork.
• iD Mobile and?Smarty, Freedompop and Superdrug Mobile use the Three network.
• Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Lycamobile use the O2 network. 3G switch-off timings for these providers will be the same as the network they are using.

The reason for this is that 2G technology is old, inefficient and expensive to run. It also offers less security and reliability as well as a shorter range (the distance between your phone and the nearest mast)

You need to be aware that these networks are going to be switched off

You need to be aware that these networks are going to be switched off. You may already have heard about the switch-off in 2020 and 2021, but if not here's what you need to know.

2G and 3G networks will be switched off at some point between now and 2024, depending on where you live in the UK. This means that if your phone only works on these networks then it could stop working completely when they're turned off.

If this happens there are ways around it:

• You can buy a new phone that works on 4G or another network.?
• Your provider may offer you the option of upgrading to 4G at no extra cost.?
• You could switch your phone onto Wi-Fi when you're not using it to send text messages or make calls.

Conclusion

With the above information, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to upgrade your phone. However, if you still have any questions about this topic then feel free to contact us at any time!