The UK 3G network switch-off: what you need to know

Update 18 September 2023: EE announced it still start its nationwide 3G switch off from January 2024, and expects to have it fully phased out by March 2024. It is also offering a free 4G-ready mobile phone to any EE customers who are registered as vulnerable and still reliant on the 3G network, to ensure they are not left behind.

Update 11 September 2023: O2 has announced it will begin phasing out its 3G services in 2025, which it aims to complete by the end of the year. It will be contacting customers directly in the next 18 months, including vulnerable users and those who still use older devices, to explain any steps they may need to take. 

The UK’s 3G mobile services, operated by the ‘Big Four’ providers EE, Three, Vodafone and O2, are being phased out over the next few years, starting in early 2023.

Used since 2003 to deliver calls, texts and data using older, less efficient technology, 3G (and ultimately 2G) is being switched off to make room for faster and more reliable 5G networks.

The switch off may be problematic for customers using older mobile devices and services that rely on these networks, meaning the device, or at least the Sim, may need replacing.

Read on to find out if you're affected, and what you can do to plan ahead.

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When will 3G and 2G services end on UK mobile networks?

In 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three that 3G and 2G mobile services will be phased out by 2033. However, the providers are free to choose when they end 3G and 2G services, within this timeframe.  

• Vodafone started piloting its 3G switch off in February 2023 and confirmed its plans to start switching off the remainder of the UK from June 2023. It confirmed its 2G network will remain in place for calls and texts. Find out more at Vodafone's website. 
• EE trialed the phase out of 3G services in 2023, with plans to fully close down the network between January and March 2024. EE's 2G services will be switched off 'later in the decade'. Find out more at EE. 
• Three expects to have closed its 3G offering by the end of 2024. Three never had a 2G network as it launched as the UK's first 100% 3G network. Visit the Three website for more. 
• O2 will start phasing out 3G services in 2025, but hasn't made any announcements about 2G.

As it stands, O2 will be the only provider still offering 3G network services through the whole of 2024.

Virtual networks, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, piggyback off one of the Big Four networks. As such, their 3G services will end in line with the parent network. Check the table below to see what this means for virtual providers:

For detailed reviews of all aspects of mobile provider performance, read our mobile phone provider reviews.

Why are 3G networks closing?

The number of people using 5G handsets quadrupled in 2021. Three has purchased the largest amount of spectrum for 5G of any provider, and intends to improve 5G users’ experience with over £2 billion of investment. Three claims 5G usage on its network has increased by 358% in the past year.

There is only a limited amount of spectrum available, so something had to give to help meet this higher demand.

Additionally, there is an increased cost to simultaneously operating the two types of network required to support 2G/3G and 4G/5G services, which is encouraging providers to end 2G and 3G. The money saved from these closures can then be invested in making improvements to the 4G and 5G network.  

Three expects the trend of customers using 3G-only handsets to continue to decline, as faster 4G and 5G devices are introduced to the market.

3G isn't the only communications infrastructure that's being modernised – read about the move to Digital Voice and the landline phone switch-off, to find out what it means for you.

What does the end of 3G mean for my mobile phone?

For most phone users, nothing will need to change provided your phone supports 4G services. However, some older phones, including simple phones, will no longer be able to connect to a network to use data. 

If you have an older phone, your options are to upgrade the device to one that supports 4G and 5G, or buy a SIM for a network that still supports 3G when it's cut off by your current provider. The safest option as it stands would be O2.

Your mobile provider should contact you with plenty of advance warning before you lose access to 3G data, but proactively contacting them should be your first step if you have any concerns about 3G services being discontinued. 

How do I know if my phone is 4G compatible?

You may be able to quickly see if your phone is 4G compatible by checking online - search for the make and model, or find the phone on the manufacturer website, to see if the specifications include 4G, or LTE.

Alternatively, you can check the settings on your phone. Depending on your phone's operating system, this is where to look. Bear in mind that this may vary on different Android brands, and it may be simpler to search for 'mobile network' in the Settings search bar:

On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode. If you're using a dual-Sim phone, tap the active Sim.

On iPhone: Settings > General > Cellular.

On Windows phones: Settings > Cellular + Sim > Highest connection speeds. 

On this screen you should see a setting that reads 'Preferred network type' or similar. Tap this, and if you can see 4G, or LTE, referenced as one of the types, your phone is 4G compatible. You should also ensure your phone is set to this, or auto, if it isn't already.

How to recycle your mobile phone

If you need to replace your mobile phone, make sure your old one is properly recycled. With up to 80% of the materials in every phone being recyclable according to Recycle Now, this can help to ensure materials aren't wasted, and that the device doesn't end up in landfill. 

Before you do so, it's important to ensure your data is backed up securely and then erased, otherwise your apps, photos, messages and maybe even passwords could fall into the wrong hands.

Read our guide to mobile phone recycling for detailed advice on how to securely recycle an old handset. 

3G and Emergency Alerts

Emergency alerts are a new service that launched in the UK in 2023. In an emergency, mobile phone masts in the surrounding area can broadcast an alert using all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. This will warn people if there is a danger to life nearby and provide advice about how to stay safe. 

As such, any phones that cannot connect to 4G and 5G networks will not receive these emergency alerts.

in addition, you will not receive an alert if:

• Your device is turned off or in aeroplane mode.
• Your Apple device is running an iOS older than 14.5, or your Android device is running a system older than Android 11. 
• You have chosen to opt out of receiving emergency alerts.

Events that may trigger an alert include severe flooding, fires and extreme weather. Only the emergency services and government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies will be able to send alerts.

The emergency services and the UK government do not need your phone number to send you an alert – you will get an alert if you are currently near an emergency location, but no data will be collected or shared about your device or location. 

Emergency alert test - Sunday 23 April

The government tested the emergency alert system by sending out an alert on Sunday 23 April. Some mobile phones did not receive the alert, though it is still being considered a successful test for diagnosing how the process works and helping to address any problems.

The alert displayed this message: 

‘This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.

This is a test. You do not need to take any action.’

In Wales, the alert may also have been displayed in Welsh.

For more information on how emergency alerts work, service tests, current and past alerts, go to gov.uk/alerts.

Is the rest of the world switching off 3G and 2G networks?

The UK is not the first country to start phasing out 3G and 2G services. The USA has already switched off all 3G networks, and other countries all over the world will be following suit, with varying timetables. 

If you are travelling somewhere that has already started switching off its 3G services, you might have issues accessing roaming data. If you have an older phone, it may be impossible to make calls, send texts or access data without using wi-fi. 

Check with your provider before departing the UK, and read our advice on how to prepare your mobile phone for holidays abroad.

Will other devices be affected by the 3G switch off?

3G networks are used by more than just phones. Some other devices, such as care alarms, security alarms and payment terminals, may also operate using 3G networks. 

If you have any of these devices, it may need to be upgraded to make sure it still works when the 3G networks are switched off. Check with your device supplier or service provider to find out if this will be a problem and what you need to do.

• It’s easier than ever to change your mobile provider. Find out more in our guide on how to switch mobile provider.
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