topic Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks in Mobile Network discussions

Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 12:17:22 GMT

I live in a rural area, mobile signal is pretty non existent. However, I have used with massive success my EE 3G box which plugs into my router to give me a 5 bar strength bubble in my house.

EE sent me an email to tell me that it will stop working in 4 weeks (really short notice!). So, is there another generic box I can get to provide a secure signal bubble in my house? My mum recently had a stroke and my phone has been a lifeline to ensure all her current care is contactable.

I can't afford to spend more money, I have no disposable income and haven't even turned my heating on in 3 months, so is there a cheap option considering my phone is not WiFi compatible, so basically I'm scr*wed - thanks EE

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Northerner — Fri, 27 May 2022 14:02:30 GMT

Hi @stephen5000

This service is now obsolete as EE have implemented WiFi calling some years ago, in addition to improving and expanding their network.

Unfortunately there will always be some people impacted which is unfortunate but unavoidable.

Thanks

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 17:36:50 GMT

@Northerner wrote:
...in addition to improving and expanding their network....

If EE had bothered to improving & expanding their great network to cover my house, this would be a non issue! 😐

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Chris_B — Fri, 27 May 2022 17:40:36 GMT

@stephen5000 no network can guarantee a signal everywhere which is why Wi-Fi calling has been implemented. No need for a redundant box that runs on 3G when the 3G services is going to be shut down at some point in the near future.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 17:45:44 GMT

@Chris_B wrote:
@stephen5000 no network can guarantee a signal everywhere which is why Wi-Fi calling has been implemented. No need for a redundant box that runs on 3G when the 3G services is going to be shut down at some point in the near future.

I get it. Just like the compulsory banning of proper ICE cars, it'll mean that only the rich will benefit, and the poor just get more disenfranchised. Not everyone can afford 'new' technology, but they shouldn't lose out through no fault of their own...

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Profile closed — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:01:27 GMT

@stephen5000 all U.K. networks are switching off 3G to make better use of the radio spectrum newer phones from the budget range to flagship range now support 4G calling.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Chris_B — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:09:14 GMT

@stephen5000 EE or any other network for that matter cannot continue with a technology for the minority. It’s just not cost-effective Plus the fact is taking up bandwidth that can be re-allocated for better purposes. This has nothing to do with the rich will get richer and the poor get poorer. It’s about sustainability and 3G just isn’t worth it.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:13:48 GMT

@Profile closed wrote:
@stephen5000 all U.K. networks are switching off 3G to make better use of the radio spectrum newer phones from the budget range to flagship range now support 4G calling.

My phone does indeed support 4G calling, but unfortunately, it needs a signal to do so...

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Profile closed — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:16:24 GMT

@stephen5000 which phone do you have ?

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:18:35 GMT

@Profile closed wrote:
@stephen5000 which phone do you have ?

It's a Wileyfox Swift 2 plus - a whole 2 years old...

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Profile closed — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:26:16 GMT

@stephen5000 800MHz 4G could be available in your area but your device doesn't support it.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:29:48 GMT

@Profile closed wrote:
@stephen5000 800MHz 4G could be available in your area but your device doesn't support it.

I have no idea what "800 Mhz 4G" is, I just make calls and send texts, but my phone does use 4G, I guess the 'standard' 4G is a technology on it's way out too then LOL

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 18:53:12 GMT

On searching the forum for info, came across this thread less than 2 years ago. I wonder if I'm the only one stressing out right now LOL

https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Archived-Posts/EE-Signal-Box-Flashes-Green-then-goes-to-RED/td-p/933810/emcs_t/S2h8ZW1haWx8a3Vkb3N8S1pMOFg1T0lOOElEMkh8OTM0MjMzfEtVRE9TfGhL?nobounce=true

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Northerner — Fri, 27 May 2022 20:02:11 GMT

Hi @stephen5000

What tariff are you on and when can you upgrade/leave? There are a few handsets for less than £20 per month with access to WiFi calling.

Ultimately you might need to change carrier to one which provides better coverage. Or use wi-fi calling apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger Google duo etc..

Thanks

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

stephen5000 — Fri, 27 May 2022 20:08:26 GMT

@Northerner wrote:
Hi @stephen5000

What tariff are you on and when can you upgrade/leave? There are a few handsets for less than £20 per month with access to WiFi calling.

Ultimately you might need to change carrier to one which provides better coverage. Or use wi-fi calling apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger Google duo etc..

Thanks

Really appreciate your response. I'm an old man, I have an extreme aversion to FaceBook as I consider it to be nothing more than a data mining company, in addition, it owns WhatsApp so I absolutely don't do any 'social media'.

I have a SIM only deal at £6/month giving me unlimited calls/texts and 2Gb, of which I've never used more than 0.5Gb. What I have at the moment suits me perfectly, which is why I'm so angry at being forced to make a change, I don't want to change! 😃

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

bristolian — Fri, 27 May 2022 20:13:37 GMT

Signal Boxes are, for all intents, 3G microcells and so are affecting by the pending switch-off of the 3G network.

Legacy phones will continue to access EE's 2G network if required, but all recent devices support EE's various range of coverage enhancements.

4G-calling/VoLTE enables access to EE's "extended range" 800Mh coverage which, where available, enhances indoor & rural coverage especially.

WiFi-calling enables a device to make & receive calls & text messages - in essence, "use your phone as normal", over any WiFi-signal without any recourse to the mobile network.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Ngolio1980 — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:46:01 GMT

Old tech 3G, been planned for the last 2 years plus for switch off on all networks plus no network can guarantee indoor coverage on mobile network, this is where WiFi calling comes in, for £30 you can usually get a fixed home broadband connection, a mobile is exactly that used for being mobile outdoors.

Re: Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

Chris_B — Wed, 21 May 2025 05:24:11 GMT

@Ngolio1980 Have you looked at the dates of the comments you’re replying too. There are from 2022. In fact May 2022 you’re 3 years too late and the 3G switch off was early 2024 so it’s not been active for just over a year. So not sure why you bring that up now.