As the UK continues its journey towards faster, more efficient mobile networks, the planned nationwide switch-off of 3G networks marks a significant milestone. Telecom providers are phasing out 3G in favour of 4G and 5G to make better use of spectrum and deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and improved capacity. However, while this transition promises to unlock enormous potential for innovation and connectivity, it also raises concerns about those who remain digitally excluded, particularly individuals who rely on older devices or legacy SIM cards.

What is happening with 3G?

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the UK—including EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three—are all committed to switching off their 3G networks between 2024 and 2025. The focus will be to improve the quality of service on newer networks like 4G and 5G. These upgrades will bring benefits such as faster data speeds, improved call quality, and a more stable network experience.

However, the 3G shutdown will have a profound impact on individuals who have not yet transitioned to newer mobile technology. This includes those with older devices that are incompatible with 4G or 5G, as well as people using outdated SIM cards that cannot connect to modern networks.

How will this affect the Digitally Excluded?

For many people, upgrading to a new mobile phone or SIM card is a routine activity. But for those who are digitally excluded—such as low-income individuals, elderly users, and residents in rural areas—this change could result in a total loss of connectivity. Here’s how:

Older Devices: A significant number of people, particularly older adults, use legacy devices that only support 3G networks. Once 3G is turned off, these devices will no longer be able to access mobile data or make voice calls unless they are replaced with newer models that support 4G or 5G. While upgrading devices may seem simple for some, the cost of a new smartphone or even the knowledge of how to set it up can be a daunting task for others.

Legacy SIM Cards: Many users with older SIM cards might find that their SIM cannot connect to the 4G or 5G networks. This issue affects both phones and mobile broadband devices and will require people to either get a replacement SIM card or upgrade their mobile plan entirely, adding potential costs and confusion.

Coverage Gaps: Even with 4G and 5G rolling out, some rural areas may still experience poor connectivity on newer networks, meaning those in isolated locations could be disproportionately affected by the 3G switch-off. Some users might have relied on 3G as their primary means of communication due to poor 4G coverage in their area.

Digital Skills Gap: Transitioning to newer devices often requires a certain level of digital literacy, which many elderly or marginalised individuals may not possess. The lack of knowledge and access to digital skills training could prevent people from understanding how to connect to 4G/5G networks or how to use new devices effectively.

How will this affect others?

The 3G switch-off will also affect those who are not digitally excluded, including residents, businesses, and local authorities that rely on mobile connectivity for daily operations.

Residents: the shutdown may be a relatively straightforward transition if they are already using 4G or 5G-enabled devices. However, they may experience temporary service interruptions or need to upgrade older devices that still rely on 3G for certain functions, such as voice calls when not connected to 4G or 5G.

Businesses: For those in logistics, healthcare, and utilities, may need to ensure that their connected devices, such as payment terminals or IoT sensors, are compatible with modern networks.

Local authorities: the switch-off should be considered when upgrading public infrastructure, such as CCTV, environmental sensors, or digital signage, to newer technologies, especially in areas that have been relying on 3G connectivity for real-time data and communications.

One specific example of this transition is the switch from using 3G for traffic monitoring to VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Many traffic monitoring systems, especially older models, currently use 3G to transmit data on traffic flow, congestion, and vehicle monitoring to control centres. With the 3G switch-off, these systems will need to be upgraded to use 4G/VoLTE to ensure continuous monitoring. VoLTE offers better call quality, faster connections, and more efficient use of network resources.

What Can Be Done?

To help mitigate the impact of the 3G switch-off on digitally excluded communities, several steps can be taken:

Device and SIM Upgrades: Mobile operators are already working to inform customers of the upcoming switch-off and offering affordable options for upgrading which includes social tariffs for eligible individuals. Low-cost or refurbished 4G-capable devices could help minimise costs for those most affected.

Subsidies for Vulnerable Groups: Government or charity-backed initiatives could offer subsidies to help low-income or vulnerable groups purchase new devices.

Digital Skills Support: There is a need for tailored digital literacy programs to help people learn how to use modern technology, understand their new devices, and get online. Offering free or low-cost courses on mobile device usage, specifically targeting older adults or those with limited digital access, could bridge the gap.

Network Expansion: Expanding 4G and 5G networks to cover rural areas more comprehensively will be vital to ensure that residents in these regions are not left behind.

What Can You Do?

If you or someone you know relies on a 3G device, it's important to check with your mobile provider about their plans and timelines for switching off the network.

To check if you have a 3G-only device, you can follow these steps:

Check Your Phone’s Settings:

• Go to the settings menu on your phone.
• Look for a section labelled "Network", "Connections", or "Mobile Networks".
• Under network mode, see if options like 4G/LTE or 5G are available. If you can only select 3G or 2G, your device is likely 3G-only.

Check Device Specifications:

• Look up your phone’s model number, which is usually found in the "About" section of your phone’s settings or on the back of the device.
• Search online for the phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website. Look for supported network bands and technologies. If it only lists 2G and 3G, your device does not support 4G or 5G.

Contact Your Mobile Network Operator:

• Your mobile operator can check your account and the device you are using to confirm if it is 3G-only. They can also tell you whether a device upgrade is necessary and what your options are for transitioning to 4G or 5G.

SIM Card Compatibility:

• Older SIM cards might only support 3G, so it’s worth checking with your mobile operator to ensure your SIM is compatible with 4G/5G networks. Replacing an old SIM may allow newer network connections even if your phone is 4G-compatible.

By using these methods, you can determine whether your device will be affected by the 3G switch-off and if it needs to be upgraded to avoid losing connectivity.

Most providers offer affordable 4G phones and SIM card upgrades, as well as support for vulnerable customers.

Here are some useful resources from the major mobile operators:

EE’s 3G Closure Information

Vodafone’s 3G Switch Off Support

O2’s Transition to 4G/5G

Three’s Plans for 3G Shutdown

Conclusion

The 3G switch-off represents a leap forward in mobile technology, but it also highlights the need to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age. Whether through personal action, community support, or policy initiatives, helping those most at risk to stay connected will be essential as the UK moves forward.

Further reading:

Ofcom Report on 3G Network Impact

Digital Exclusion in the UK