topic Re: 3G Switch off in Mobile Network discussions

3G Switch off

Simonashe — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 21:46:13 GMT

I have just learned from the Martin Lewis Money Show that the 3G network ( whatever that actually means ) is ending soon. I'm getting old now and find understanding and dealing with all this tech stuff, really difficult !!

I only need to text on occasions and make a phone call. Nothing else. My current phone is a simple DORO 6520 and it is 3G. Will I still be able to text ad make a phone call once the 3G thing is closed down or will I need to go though the hassle of getting a new phone ? Any advice of information would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

Simon

Re: 3G Switch off

XRaySpeX — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:01:52 GMT

@Simonashe : The 3G switch-off only affects data. You will still be able to make calls & texts.

Re: 3G Switch off

bristolian — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:34:54 GMT

The 3G switch-off doesn't only affect data, EE are totally switching the 3G network off by the end of 2024 - 3G phones will no longer get any 3G service once this is complete.

Any 3G phone also supports 2G, so when this is complete your phone will still get coverage from EE's 2G network. Basic data use is available, calls & texts will still continue and you are unlikely to notice any difference to this.

EE's 4G network has been the standard for several years now, and in many locations 4G service is now greater than 2G or 3G.

Re: 3G Switch off

XRaySpeX — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:38:26 GMT

@bristolian : Yes, that's what I'm trying to say w/out going into the nitty-gritty complexities of it.

Re: 3G Switch off

Simonashe — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:27:49 GMT

Many thanks bristolian !!!

Simon

Re: 3G Switch off

michael271 — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 08:41:53 GMT

Further to that: One phone in my family has highest connection speed of 3g. Is that a limitation of the phone or the SIM - and would upgrading the SIM enable 4g? If not, what actual difference will be noticed when it reverses to 2g - e.g. to receiving texts and calls. I assume it will still be able to receive WIFI.

Re: 3G Switch off

James_B — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 09:04:23 GMT

Hi @michael271,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

To access 4G, you need a 4G plan and a 4G ready phone.

What type of phone is it? Which EE plan?

James

Re: 3G Switch off

bristolian — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:19:51 GMT

"G" support, be it 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G, is part of a device manufacturing process.

WiFi is a connection between a mobile device & broadband router, the mobile network connection has no bearing on it.

Re: 3G Switch off

michael271 — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:20:25 GMT

Thanks James. So changing the SIM will not help. It's an old Microsoft phone that still works surprisingly well considering it's age. It is only used for email and texting from home, and sending and receiving calls and text on the move. No data. I just wanted to know how those limited facilities might be affected .

Re: 3G Switch off

James_B — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:59:26 GMT

Do you know the model number of the phone and what type of plan the SIM is using @michael271?

If it's an old 3G plan, I would have expected you to have been contacted with information on how to switch to a 4G plan.

James

Re: 3G Switch off

michael271 — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:01:09 GMT

Thanks again. It is a Microsoft Lumia 535, 8.1 update Windows phone. And we did receive that message from EE.

Re: 3G Switch off

bristolian — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:09:51 GMT

The Microsoft Lumia 535 is a 2G/3G phone - https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_lumia_535-6791.php

It will become a 2G-only phone when EE's 3G network is switched off.

Re: 3G Switch off

Simonashe — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:39:11 GMT

Thank you so much XRay SpeX 😊

Re: 3G Switch off

t3rm3y — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:21:50 GMT

I just received a message from EE about the 3g switch, first I have heard of it. Volte calls are pretty poor quality, seem echo-ey , even with full 4g signal. They are not clear. So I take it 2g calls will continue?

Re: 3G Switch off

bristolian — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 10:12:08 GMT

VoLTE calls should be excellent quality and clarity should not be an issue - if they're not, you likely have a fault that should be investigated.

2G service will continue.

Re: 3G Switch off

Protech — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:08:49 GMT

Just had this txt message today

EE will be switching off 3G in January 2024 so that we can focus on strengthening our newer and more reliable 4G and 5G networks, giving a better experience to our customers.

As you're using an older device that is not compatible with 4G Calling , you will be impacted by the switch-off. Don't worry, click https://discover.ee.co.uk/E800t2c7 where we've pulled together all of your options."

However my phone, Redmi note 8t says it supports VoLTe an 4g calling.

So I'm now confused as to what this message means for me. Do I need to get a new phone?

Re: 3G Switch off

Christopher_G — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:34:38 GMT

Hi @Protech

Since your phone supports 4G and 4G calling, you won't need to change it.

Chris

Re: 3G Switch off

Protech — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:41:14 GMT

Thanks for confirming that my phone will still work after the 3g switch off.

Strange that the original message from EE says my phone is not compatible with 4G when it is .

How do do EE determine this ?

Re: 3G Switch off

James_B — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 09:01:57 GMT

Have you recently changed your phone, @Protech?

James

Re: 3G Switch off

Protech — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:46:48 GMT

@James_B

No, it's the same phone i ported into EE from plusnet with.