Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Tim FitzGerald
Mobile phone operators in the UK are preparing to close down their 3G networks.
There are 4 mobile network operators (MNO) in the UK
- Vodafone
- Three
- O2
- EE
If you buy a phone or SIM from another provider (an MNVO) then that provider uses one of the 4 networks listed above. A list of MNVOs is available here.
The image below shows the major MNVOs and their associated MNOs.
The UK MNOs are preparing to shut down their 3G networks.
This 3G shutdown is in progress in Europe, Australia and in the USA. It has been completed in a few countries in Europe. Most people won’t be affected as the overwhelming majority of phones released in the UK in the past 10 years are working on 5G and 4G, as well as 3G. However, users of 3G-only phones may be impacted; there may be millions of older 3G-only phones in the UK. There are over 80 million mobile phone subscriptions in the UK in 2021.
Very little data is carried by the 3G networks – some operators report (in 2021) that as little as 2% of their data is 3G originated data. 2G networks may remain in use for longer than 3G because it offers wide coverage and comparatively low power requirements which make them ideal for some IoT deployments.
Smart gas and electricity meters use the O2 2G network in much of England and Wales. In the north of England and Scotland, smart meters use a long-range radio network provided by Arqiva, which also provides telecoms networks for the emergency services. Smart meters may require upgrading to 4G technology in the next few years.
The radio frequencies used by the 3G networks will be re-purposed for use in the 5G networks that the MNOs are busy installing in many areas of the UK. MNOs spent some £22.5bn for the rights to use these radio frequencies at the auction of the UK radio spectrum in 2000. Three launched the UK’s first 3G network in 2003.
Some areas of the UK do not have a good 4G (or 5G) signal and depend upon 3G for data. Based on coverage data, approximately 2.2% of the UK is only covered by a 3G signal. For the most part, this is in remote locations such as rural Scotland, parts of North Norfolk, Wales and Cornwall. The MNOs should be expanding their 4G networks to provide coverage to these areas before the 3G shutdown.
Does this affect me?
If you’re a customer of a UK MNO or MNVO with an older mobile phone that doesn’t have 4G or 5G, you will no longer be able to use it for data once the 3G network is switched off by your MNO.
To check if your phone works on 4G or not, visit the IMEI Info website. By following the website’s instructions, you’ll find and type in your phone’s 15-digit IMEI number. After typing in this unique identifying number, you will see a webpage listing your phone’s specifications. If it has a tick in the ‘LTE’ box (LTE or Long-Term-Evolution is another term for 4G), then your phone can use mobile data on 4G networks.
What does 3G mean?
2G is short for the second generation mobile phone network.
Terms like EDGE and GPRS refer to 2G technologies. Data rates of 48 Kbps are possible.
3G is the third generation of mobile phone technologies.
Terms like HSPA, HSPA+ and refer to 3G, Data rates of several Mbps are possible.
4G is therefore the fourth generation.
Terms like LTE refer to 4G. Data rates of 100Mbps are possible.
5G refers to the fifth generation. Data rates measured in Gbps are theoretically possible but, in practice, speeds up to 500 Mbps can be expected in early 5G networks.
6G is in the planning and design phase.
- Vodafone has announced it has closed its 3G network in February 2024.
- EE is reporting it has turned off the last of its 3G network in February 2024.
- Three say they will close their 3G network by the end of 2024.
- O2 announced their 3G network will close by the end of 2025.
The British government is aiming to shut down all 2G and 3G networks by 2033 at the latest. EE has said, as coverage of 4G and 5G is rolled out, it hopes to be able to shut down its 2G network as soon as 2025.
Will my older phone work?
If you use an old mobile phone that is not 4G capable then you may no longer be able to access the internet when your MNO shuts its 3G service, unless it uses the O2 network. You can search to find your phone’s capabilities here on GSM-Arena’s website.
If your phone did not receive the Emergency Alert (Apr 23, 2023) then it may not be 4G capable.
What should I do if I have an older mobile phone
If you have identified that your phone is not 4G capable then you have options
- Switch provider to O2
If you are happy with your 3G phone, then you need not worry – you can switch providers to O2 which is not shutting down its 3G service until the end of 2025. Go to the O2, Giffgaff, Tesco mobile website or the O2 local shop and get a suitable SIM. Go through the procedure to transfer your phone number to the new provider. This option may be cheaper than your existing supplier. - Acquire a 4G capable phone to replace your existing phone. Plenty of new or refurbished 4G phones are available on eBay for good prices – well under £100 for a new phone. It is suggested that you don’t go out and buy a new state-of-the-art 5G capable phone costing hundreds of pounds, as there are cheaper routes to resolve your dilemma.
Wikipedia explanation of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G