Our plans to switch off 3G

1. If you have a 4G/5G VoLTE device, you’ll still be able to contact the emergency services. 

2. If you have a 3G only device:

• Emergency SMS: The emergency SMS service will no longer be available. You won’t be able to send emergency SMS.
• Emergency video relay: This service needs a 4G data connection, so you won’t be able to access it using our network. You’ll still be able to use it while connected to Wi-Fi though.
• 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.

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.

• Important: Other networks are also in the process of phasing out their 3G service. And while the plan is to keep some 2G networks operational after 3G is switched off, the longevity of 2G will vary by operator.

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.

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. 

Get in touch with us to find out more. 

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.