The 3G switch-off has started - but 2.7 million mobile users still unsure if their device is ready
Vodafone and EE will lead network switch-offs in early 2024 to make room for more advanced 4G and 5G, with Three to follow by the end of 2024, and O2 in 2025
While the majority of mobile users won’t need to do anything - one in eight (13%) don't know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, and a further 5% say they still use a 3G handset[1]
This equals around 2.7 million Brits who could potentially be left without access to mobile data if they don’t upgrade their device[2]
Over half (52%) of Brits say they have not seen any communication regarding the 3G switch-off[3], and four in ten (43%) are not even aware the switch-off is coming[4]
Mobile network providers are taking steps to ensure consumers won’t be impacted, including special helplines and support for vulnerable customers
To support the transition, Uswitch is offering mobile users advice on how to make sure they are ready for the switchover
Vodafone and EE will lead 3G network switch-offs in early 2024 to make room for more advanced 4G and 5G services, with Three to follow by the end of 2024, and O2 in 2025.
However, one in eight (13%) mobile users still don't know if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, and a further 5% say they still use a 3G handset[1], according to new research from Uswitch.com.
This equates to 2.7 million Brits who could be without access to mobile data if they do not upgrade their device or follow the steps advised by their provider.[2]
Most consumers use a 4G or 5G enabled mobile device, so can rest assured that their service will continue as normal. The 3G switch-off will mainly impact the internet for customers using older mobile devices and services, and calls and texts will still be available to all mobile devices.
Elderly mobile users may be more likely to be affected, with nearly a quarter (24%) of people aged 75+ not being sure if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, and a further 7% saying they still use a 3G handset[4]. Consequently, nearly a third (32%) of people feel concerned that elderly relatives might be left disconnected by the 3G switch-off.[5]
Over the coming months, providers will be getting in touch with customers across the country who may be affected to let them know their options - a vital move as four in ten (43%) people are not even aware the switch-off is coming.[3]
The research also suggests that mobile network providers may come up against some resistance to change. In fact, only 19% of people whose phone is not or may not be 4G/5G ready said they would not be willing to upgrade their handset, while 21% said they would simply opt to not use the internet on their phone.[6]
All the main network operators - Vodafone, EE, Three and Virgin Media O2 - are taking steps to make sure consumers won’t be impacted, including special helplines and support for vulnerable customers. See the following table to find out when the changes will happen and where to go for additional information:
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, commented: “The 3G switch off will ultimately free up the ‘network spectrum’ for 4G and 5G - an important way to ensure our networks can cope with increasing demand as our digital lives continue to grow.
“While for the vast majority of phone users, this isn’t something to worry about - it’s important to be aware this change is coming, especially for those concerned about older relatives who may rely on older handsets.
“Check your device settings and make sure your phone is 4G or 5G ready. If you’re already using a 4G or 5G handset - you may still need to ensure you have the latest software and security updates to make sure you’re using the correct network.
“It’s also worth checking in with any friends and family members who might have older devices. It might be time for an upgrade - and there’s plenty of support available for those getting set up with a new handset.
“Ultimately, these changes will help us to move towards a faster and more reliable service, but in the meantime, it’s important to make sure no one is left behind.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from the 21st to 24th November 2023. Results have been weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked: ‘Is your phone 4G or 5G ready?’. 5% responded ‘No’ and ‘13% responded ‘I don’t know’.
2. Respondents were asked: ‘Is your phone 4G or 5G ready?’. 5% responded ‘No’ and ‘13% responded ‘I don’t know’. This equates to 2,685,994 or 2.7 million people. Calculated by 101 / 2000 = 0.0505 of the adult population (53,188,000).
3. Respondents were asked: ‘Mobile providers have already started to switch off their 3G networks in the UK. Were you aware of this before today?’ 43% of respondents answered ‘No - I didn’t know 3G was being switched off’.
4. Respondents were asked: ‘Is your phone 4G or 5G ready?’. 7% of people aged 75+ responded ‘No’ and 24% responded ‘I don’t know’.
5. Respondents were asked: ‘How far do you agree or disagree with the following statement? I am concerned that my elderly relatives might be left disconnected by the 3G switch-off. 32% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed.
6. Respondents who indicated their phone is not of may not be 4G or 5G ready were asked: ‘What action will you take if this is the case?’. 21% of respondents said they would opt to not use the internet on their phone, 19% said they would upgrade their handset, 11% said they would change provider, and 48% said they didn’t know.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.