MILLIONS of iPhone and Android owners are set to lose access to 3G as part of a UK-wide shutdown.
It forms part of plans to make room for more advanced 4G and 5G services across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Out of the four main network providers, Vodafone will lead the charge to dismantle 3G services, starting in Glasgow by early 2024.
EE and Three expect to switch off their own 3G services by the end of 2024.
O2 is yet to announce a timeframe.
The 2G network will remain for calls and texts, but will not be supported beyond 2033.
Will I be affected?
Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services.
The decision to axe 3G will mostly affect people with older devices.
This is because these devices don’t have the in-built radio technology that is needed for 4G or 5G connection.
The devices that will be affected will have been released pre-2012, or before 4G was first introduced.
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Can I still use my mobile data?
If your phone is only compatible with 2G and 3G, you will no longer be able to access most of your mobile data allowance.
You must upgrade your phone to a newer model that can connect to 4G or 5G if you want to use your mobile data.
This has led campaigners to warn that turning off 3G networks will lead to people with older phones falling into “digital poverty,” according to the BBC.
Telecoms regulator Ofcom has offered advice for consumers on the switch-off on their website.
How do I know if my phone can access 4G?
Many consumers won’t be able to purchase a new phone in a cost-of-living crisis.
But there is a way to check if your device can access 4G, to avoid forking out cash for a newer phone.
If you have an iPhone, simply follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Cellular.
- Here if you see Enable 4G LTE option, your phone is 4G compatible.
- You can select this option to enable 4G.
For Android users, follow this:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
- Here you will see if your phone has the option of selecting a 4G/LTE mode.
- If the mode is listed, your phone is 4G enabled.
Alternatively, you can check your device model and release date to see if you’ll be affected.
Below were the first 4G compatible phones to be put on the market:
- iPhone 5 16GB
- iPhone 5 32GB
- iPhone 5 64GB
- Samsung Galaxy S III LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE
- HTC One XL
- Huawei Ascend P1 LTE
If you have one of these devices, or your device is newer, then you’re in the clear.
But if not, you won’t be able to make use of your data plan beyond 2024, depending on who your provider is.
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