We’re phasing out our 3G network and aim to switch it off by the end of 2024. We’re not alone in doing this – other networks in the UK and abroad are in the process of phasing out their 3G service, too.
While this is going on, we’re also working on improving our 4G and 5G services, with the goal of providing faster download speeds, better-quality streaming, and a more reliable service for you to enjoy.
Check out our network plans for 3G in your area using the 3G tab of our coverage checker.
Get ready for our 3G switch-off and check you have a compatible device.
3G only, and some older 4G devices won’t work when we switch off our 3G network.
Check our FAQs for more information.
First, check your device is compatible. Search for your device, go to Specifications, Network, then check if 5G/4G or VoLTE (4G Calling) is ticked.
Not sure which device you’ve got? Use our IMEI checker to find out.
Make sure you’ve got 4G Calling switched on in your device settings. For steps on how to do this, head to our device support page. Pick your device, search for 4G Calling and select Enable or disable 4G Calling.
If your device isn’t compatible, you’ll need to change it to continue using our network. For more information head to our 3G switch-off hub.
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 can re-use the 3G spectrum for our 4G and/or 5G service. That means we can offer higher-quality calls, smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and better overall performance.
Plus, 4G technology offers better voice quality with better sound and clarity compared with 3G. And it 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, following 3G switch off, access to emergency services will not be impacted.
If you have a 3G only device, following Three’s 3G switch off:
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 requires a 4G data connection so, you won’t be able to access it via the Three 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 the Three network. But 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.
Please note: 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 networks will vary by operator.
3. If you have a 4G non-VOLTE device, following Three’s 3G switch off:
Emergency SMS: The emergency SMS service will be available (if registered)
Emergency video relay: The emergency video relay service will be available bia Three’s 4G network (if registered)
Emergency calls: You won’t be able to make an emergency call using the Three network. But your device will be able to use 2G and 3G networks on other operators – 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.
Please note: 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 networks will vary by operator.
To ensure access to all emergency services, you’ll need to check that your device or device settings are compatible with our 4G and 5G networks.
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 be 4G calling compatible. 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, all you need to do is make sure 4G Calling is switched on in your device settings.
If it’s not compatible, you’ll still be able to send and receive texts and use 4G data temporarily. 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 – VoLTE device. If your device isn’t compatible, you’ll need to change to one that’s compatible with 4G Calling to continue using our network.
You don't need to do anything if you have 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’ll be switching off our 3G network in the UK in stages. Keep checking our 3G switch-off hub or our coverage checker to find out when your local area will be affected.
We’ll also be in touch to let you know when your local area is due to have 3G switched off. So, you can change to a 4G Calling or 5G ready device if you need to.
While deciding what to do, it may be worth asking friends or family if they’ve got 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 at three.co.uk/support/contact-us to find out more and for information on preparing for our 3G switch-off.
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.
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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.
