Crossed Signals: Half of Brits unaware of looming 3G network switch off
Millions of Brits are unaware that the 3G mobile network will start to be turned off by some providers by next month[1]
51% mobile users are unaware that providers are planning these changes, despite provider promises to keep customers informed[2]
Vodafone is leading the 3G switch-off, with customers in Plymouth and Basingstoke the first in the UK to lose access to the network[4]
One in 14 (7%) believe they still rely on 3G, with residents in Newcastle and Sheffield the most likely to use it[1][5]
Uswitch is offering advice on who may be impacted by this change and how to stay connected
It’s a service used by more than 30 million Brits[1], but half of the public (51%) are unaware that the UK’s 3G mobile network is to be phased out from next month, according to new research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service][2].
While the third-generation technology is now 20 years old, one in four (25%) say they use 3G regularly, while 7% said it’s the only network they can access[1].
Over 55s were least likely to know about the 3G switch-off, with six in ten (61%) unaware of the changes, while two fifths (40%) of those aged 18 to 34 had not heard of the plans[3].
Over half of mobile users in Plymouth (55%) say that they still use 3G, while Newcastle and Sheffield residents were the most likely to have to tap into the 3G network (70%)[5].
Tesco Mobile customers were found to be the most in the dark about 3G being phased out, with two thirds (65%) of them saying they didn’t know it was happening[6].
In recent years the UK’s main mobile providers have focused their investment on improving the 4G network and the rollout of its 5G services. The 3G shutdown will allow more room for these more advanced networks, and the UK Government has set a deadline of 2033 for both 2G and 3G to be turned off completely.
Uswitch contacted the big four network operators to find out what their plans are for winding down 3G. Vodafone is looking to decommission all its UK 3G services by the end of the year, starting with Plymouth and Basingstoke in February[4]. EE will also start shutting it down from early 2024. Next year is also closing time for Three’s 3G services, while O2 is yet to confirm its plans.
Vodafone, EE and Three all stressed to Uswitch that the 2G network will still be acting as a safety network for people that may not have access to faster speeds after 3G is turned off. However 2G is far slower than its successor and can take several minutes to download a web page.
| Network operators | Timeline to turn of 3G |
|---|---|
| Vodafone (including VOXI, Virgin Mobile, Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile and Talkmobile) | Will switch off 3G by the end of the year, starting with Plymouth and Basingstoke next month. |
| EE (including BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile) | Will begin closing off 3G at the beginning of 2024 |
| Three (including SMARTY and iD Mobile) | Planning to switch off 3G by the end of 2024 but with some phasing out activities commencing this year. |
| O2 (including Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Lycamobile) | Yet to announce plans to turn off 3G |
Uswitch experts have advised that while the 3G switch off may affect a proportion of people who don’t have 4G or 5G enabled phones, the majority of phone users should not be impacted by this change.
Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, says: “It is clear that millions of mobile phone users aren’t aware that 3G is being phased out, or how this will impact their ability to get online - especially with sluggish 2G serving as the only fallback in a number of cases.
“Focusing investment on 4G and 5G networks is a sensible move to ensure all mobile users get access to faster and more reliable services, both now and in the future. However - it’s important to make sure no one gets left behind.
“Although the network speeds 3G offers are slow by modern standards, there are still people that rely on this older generation network, especially in rural areas, as a primary means of connectivity.
“The good news for the majority of mobile users who have upgraded to a 4G or 5G enabled device and plan - you are unlikely to be impacted by this change, although you may still need a quick software update to stay connected.
“Providers must also do more to make sure their customers are clear on what their timeline is for turning off 3G, and which towns and cities will be affected.
“People still using 3G-enabled smartphones that cannot access the more modern networks will need to upgrade their handset soon or risk losing access to their mobile data altogether.
“For those on a tight budget, thankfully there are pay-monthly deals that include a 4G-ready handset, such as the Samsung Galaxy A13 from as little as £13 a month. If you’d rather not buy new, you can also save by opting for a great quality refurbished phone.”
To find out more about the best mobile network coverage options in the UK, see the helpful guide from Uswitch here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Richa Kundnani
Phone: 07789 316116
Email: richa.kundnani@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from the 20th to 23rd December 2022. Results were weighted to reflect a nationally representative criteria.
1. Respondents were asked ‘How often do you currently use 3G to access the internet on your mobile phone?’, 60% of mobile users, equivalent to 58.25% of UK adults, said that they do use 3G. 58.25% of the UK adult population of 52,890,000 = 30,808,425 people who still use 3G. 7% of respondents answered ‘All the time – it’s the only network I can access where I live’ and 25% answered ‘regularly’.
2. Respondents were asked ‘In 2023 mobile providers will start to switch off their 3G networks to focus on 4G and 5G. Were you aware of this before today?’, 51% of people said ‘No – I didn’t know this was happening’, while 27% of people said ‘Yes – I knew this was happening in 2023’.
3. Respondents were asked ‘In 2023 mobile providers will start to switch off their 3G networks to focus on 4G and 5G. Were you aware of this before today?’, 61% of people aged over 55 said ‘No – I didn’t know this was happening’ compared to 40% of people aged 18 to 34.
4. Source: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/3g-switch-off#plymouth
5. Respondents were asked ‘How often do you currently use 3G to access the internet on your mobile phone?’, 70% of people located in Newcastle and Sheffield said that they did still use 3G.
6. Respondents were asked ‘What mobile network are you with?’, followed by ‘In 2023 mobile providers will start to switch off their 3G networks to focus on 4G and 5G. Were you aware of this before today?’, 65% of people that said they were with Tesco Mobile answered ‘No – I didn’t know this was happening’.
7. Source: https://www.uswitch.com/media-centre/2022/10/is-5G-overhyped/
8. Refurbished phone saving figure was calculated by searching for a refurbished 64GB iPhone 12 handset in black on Backmarket for £349.65 and comparing it to a brand new version sold directly by Apple for £649.
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.
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