We’ve now switched off our 3G network across most of the UK to give you a better experience on our 4G and 5G networks.
And we’re not alone. Other networks in the UK and abroad are also phasing out their 3G networks.
Use this page to find out how to connect to and enjoy our faster, more reliable 4G and 5G networks.
To keep using our 4G or 5G network, your device must be 4G ready and support 4G Calling. You can check this and find steps for switching on 4G Calling on our device support hub.
If your device is 3G only or an older 4G device without 4G Calling, you won’t be able to use our services. That means you won’t be able to make calls or use data in the UK or abroad.
If you’re a Pay Monthly customer, give us a call on 0800 033 8031 or visit your local Three store and we can talk through your options.
Out of contract? You can change your device online now.
You can change to a 4G or 5G device even if you’re still within the minimum term of your contract [1].
Have a look at our range of 4G and 5G ready phones online, call us on 0800 033 8031, or visit your local Three store.
You can change to a 4G or 5G device anytime. Check out our 4G and 5G Ready phones online and visit your local Three store to purchase a device outright.
If you’re a business customer, get in touch with our Business team to find out what’s available.
Want to change your Mobile Broadband device? Take a look at our 4G Mobile Broadband devices and get in touch with us on 0800 033 8031 or visit your local Three store.
At Three, we aim to be inclusive and provide the right level of support for every customer. To find out how we can help and register your accessibility needs you can visit our accessibility hub.
We understand how important your device is to you. So if your phone isn’t 4G calling compatible, have a chat with our Accessibility team.
To find out how we can help and to register your accessibility needs, visit our accessibility hub at three.co.uk/accessibility. Or get in touch with us at three.co.uk/accessibility/contact-us
By switching off our 3G network, we've reused the 3G spectrum for our 4G and/or 5G services. This means we can offer higher-quality calls, smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and better overall performance.
Plus, 4G technology offers better voice quality, sound, and clarity compared with 3G. It also offers 4G Calling — also known as VoLTE — and Enhanced Voice Speech.
Our 4G network covers 99% of the UK population (outdoor coverage). And our 5G coverage is growing every day too.
Plus, we’ve been awarded UK’s Fastest 5G Network by Ookla [2] for the third year running. So, if you want super-fast downloads, smooth streaming, and lag-free gaming, make sure you’ve got a 5G ready device.
Our 4G and 5G networks carry Emergency Alerts – a free service from the UK government. They warn you if there’s a severe danger to life or property nearby. It may send alerts about anything from severe flooding and fires to terror attacks or public health emergencies.
4G and 5G networks are more energy efficient than 3G networks. Mobile devices using a 4G or 5G network will have a longer battery life. And with less need to charge your device, you can enjoy a more convenient experience.
If you have a 4G/5G VoLTE device, you’ll still be able to contact the emergency services.
If you have a 3G only device:
3. If you have a 4G device without 4G Calling (VoLTE):
Emergency SMS: If you’ve registered, you’ll still be able to use this service.
Emergency video relay: If you’ve already registered, you’ll still be able to use this service on our 4G network.
Emergency calls: You won’t be able to make an emergency call using our network. Your device will be able to use other operators’ 2G and 3G networks – if available – to connect the call. You don’t need to be a customer of the other operators for this to work. All network operators have agreed to this to ensure the availability of emergency calls.
On 8 December 2021, the Government announced that all public 2G and 3G networks will be switched off by 2033 at the latest. However, operators have been encouraged to switch off their networks – particularly 3G networks – earlier than that.
We’re phasing out our 3G network and expect to have it completely switched off by the end of 2024. So, if you don't already have one, now’s a good time to swap to a 4G Calling or 5G device.
Got a 3G only data device such as a tablet or Mobile Broadband? You’ll need to change to a 4G or 5G ready device to stay connected to our network.
By the time our 3G switch-off is complete we’ll have enabled 4G in these areas. You can keep up to date with our network improvements using our coverage checker.
Some older 4G devices might not support 4G Calling. You can check your device on our device support page. Pick your device, go to Network then check that 4G Calling (VoLTE UK & Abroad) is ticked.
If your device is compatible, you need to make sure 4G Calling is switched on in your device settings. You can find out how to do this on our device support page.
If it’s not compatible, you can still send and receive texts and temporarily use 4G data, but you won’t be able to make or receive calls using 4G.
When we switch off 3G, calls, texts, and data will only be available when using a 4G Calling – or VoLTE device. If your device isn’t compatible, you’ll need to change to one that supports 4G Calling to continue using our network.
If you’ve got a 4G data-only device, such as a tablet, you can continue using our 4G network as usual.
After 2024, we won’t be able to support any device that only uses 3G for calls and data. If you don’t change to a 4G or 5G ready device, you won’t be able to connect to our 4G and 5G networks.
We’ve now switched off our 3G network across most of the UK. We’re not alone in doing this, other networks in the UK and abroad are also phasing out their 3G networks.
While deciding what to do, you could ask friends or family if they have a spare 4G Calling device you could use. We also have options available if you’d rather buy your device outright.
If you’ve got a 3G data-only Mobile Broadband device, it won’t be supported after 2024. So, we’d recommend that you consider changing your device.
You don't need to do anything if you’ve got a 4G or 5G data-only Home or Mobile Broadband device. You can continue using our 4G and 5G networks as usual.
Pairing your smartwatch with your phone uses 4G connectivity. And 4G Calling is used to make and receive calls on your smartwatch. Our existing 4G network won’t be affected by the 3G switch-off. So, you should be able to continue using your smartwatch without any problems.
Any feedback you have helps us make your experience better.
Subject to credit eligibility and having completed a minimum of 3 months of your SIM Only contract
Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Visit speedtest.net/awards/fastest-5g to find out more. See three.co.uk/bignetwork.
