EE has warned customers that its 3G network is closing down for good next year – and you may need to upgrade your handset as a result.
Older smartphones only capable of 3G will lose the ability to go online with their data by next year.
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They’ll still be able to make calls and texts on the ancient 2G network.
And you can still use the internet via Wi-Fi.
3G data was too slow to do much beyond WhatsApp messages, but once it’s gone affected users won’t be able to go online while out and about at all.
Most modern smartphones already use 4G but a small number of people are still using 3G-only handsets.
The list of 3G smartphones still being used by EE‘s pay monthly customers over the last six month include:
- Doro 6520, Doro 6521, Doro 6620
- Apple iPhone 4S
- TCL 1C
- Nokia 301
- Apple iPhone 4
- Nokia C2-01
- HMD 3310
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- TCL Pixi 4
Many of these devices have long been discontinued.
And some, such as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, are actually dangerous to use as they no longer receive important software updates that prevent hackers from raiding your phone.
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3G switch off
EE is planning to switch off its 3G network early next year, while Three is doing the same at the end of 2024.
Vodafone has already started turning the old kit off this month.
And Virgin Media O2 is yet to announce when it’ll bid farewell to 3G.
“Customers on 4G get a bigger network, as well as a more reliable and faster network experience than our old 3G network – the time is right for the UK to wave goodbye to 3G,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer, BT Group.
“Our 3G network will be switched off in early 2024.
“While this won’t affect the vast majority of our customers, we will offer support for those who are still using old, incompatible devices.”
EE customers unsure whether they’re affected can text “HANDSET” to 150 for free support.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
