EE confirms major 3G network shut down is complete – check list of Android handsets and iPhones affected
EE owner BT has bid farewell to 3G for good after switching off the final site.
For anyone still using an older phone it may mean you need to upgrade to continue receiving some coverage – see the full list further down.
The UK’s network providers have been working to turn off sluggish 3G to make space for more 4G and 5G tech.
BT has revealed that its last 3G site in Belfast was shut down last week.
The company has been retiring the technology across more than 18,000 mobile sites since last year.
It means older smartphones only capable of 3G will lose the ability to go online with their data from now on – though the 3G network had become so slow and limited that even accessing something basic like WhatsApp was a struggle.
Affected devices can still make calls and texts on the ancient 2G network, which isn’t due to go until 2033.
And you can still use the internet via Wi-Fi.
Last year, EE revealed to The Sun some of the most popular 3G-only smartphones still being used:
- Doro 6520, Doro 6521, Doro 6620
- Apple iPhone 4S
- TCL 1C
- Nokia 301
- Apple iPhone 4
- Nokia C2-01
- HMD 3310
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- TCL Pixi 4
Many of these devices have long been discontinued.
And some, such as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, are actually dangerous to use as they no longer receive important software updates that prevent hackers from raiding your phone.
EE has been offering support to any customers who need to upgrade.
“Those 3G customers who have transitioned to our 4G and 5G networks are now enjoying more reliable and widespread mobile coverage with faster mobile internet speeds, while switching off 3G has already saved enough energy to charge nearly one billion smartphones,” said Greg McCall, BT’s Chief Networks Officer.
“We will continue to monitor the performance of our other mobile technologies (2G, 4G and 5G) to ensure EE customers continue to get the high-quality connectivity experience they need from the UK’s most reliable mobile network.”
3G switch off: What about other networks?
BT is the first of the big four to reveal that it's completed their 3G switch off.