Research from Uswitch has found that the majority of people in the UK are unaware that 3G networks will start being switched off next month.
Just over half (51%) of those surveyed did not know about the upcoming shutdown. Awareness varied by age: more than six in ten people aged over 55 (61%) were unaware, while only 40% of 18–34-year-olds lacked awareness.
Ernest Doku, Mobiles Expert at Uswitch, commented:
“It is clear that millions of mobile phone users aren’t aware that 3G is being phased out, or how this will affect their ability to get online—especially where slow 2G service will be the only fallback in many places.
Focusing investment on 4G and 5G networks is a sensible move to deliver faster, more reliable services now and in the future. However, it’s crucial to ensure no one is left behind.”
Although 3G is now around 20 years old, 25% of respondents said they still use it regularly, and 7% said it is the only network available to them.
“While 3G speeds are slow by today’s standards, some people—particularly in rural areas—still rely on this older-generation network as their primary means of connectivity,” Doku added.
Vodafone will be the first of the UK’s four major operators to begin phasing out its 3G network. In February it will switch off 3G services in Basingstoke and Plymouth.
Plymouth residents report high continued use of 3G, with 55% saying they still use the legacy network. In Newcastle and Sheffield, more than two-thirds of residents (70%) said they still use 3G.
“The good news for most users who already have a 4G- or 5G-capable device and plan is that you are unlikely to be affected by this change, although a quick software update may be required to stay connected,” Doku said.
“Providers must also do more to clearly communicate their timelines for turning off 3G and specify which towns and cities will be affected.”
Vodafone plans to switch off the remainder of its 3G network by the end of the year.
EE will give its customers an extra year to migrate to 4G services. The operator intends to begin sunsetting its 3G network at the start of 2024 and will use this period to help upgrade anyone still dependent on the legacy network.
Three also plans to dismantle its 3G network by the end of 2024, with phased shutdowns beginning this year. The operator takes its name from the 3G era, so with this generation of the network closing, a brand update may be on the horizon.
O2 is the only major UK operator that has not yet announced its plans for shutting down 3G services.
“People using 3G-only smartphones that cannot access modern networks will need to upgrade their handsets soon or risk losing mobile data access altogether,” Doku concluded.
(Photo by Croyde Bay on Unsplash)
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week, which takes place in Amsterdam, California, and London.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge.