topic Re: 3G shutdown in Mobile Network discussions

3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:15:13 GMT

I did not get any notification about 3G shutting down. I have been happily sending texts but today discovered I can no longer call out or receive calls. I texted "handset" to 150 and was told that my handset does support 4G - but it's been working on 3G ever since I had it and I have no idea how - or if - I can change it. I've looked at various suggestions online but I can't seem to find the options they suggest. I need to know if my phone is compatible with 4G or if I have to get a new phone. I have a 5G compatible sim card from when I took out a new contract a couple of years ago.

Any help would be great.

Re: 3G shutdown

XRaySpeX — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:22:01 GMT

Your calls & texts will go quite happily over 2G. It's only data that would need 4G or above.

What handset have you?

Re: 3G shutdown

bristolian — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:32:21 GMT

Non-4G phones have always used 2G as a fallback anytime 3G isn't available. All that's changed now is that 3G has been removed nationally (since end-January) and your phone will use 2G permanently.

For calls & texts you may notice a degradation in voice call clarity, but otherwise it's only mobile data that would be affected. You will get increased coverage & improved call quality by using a newer 4G-VoLTE phone.

Re: 3G shutdown

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:58:24 GMT

@Cymraeg24 if you’re a contract customer you wouldn’t be notified with the 3G switch off as your contract as you say is a 5G contract so therefore supports 4G, So the 3G switch off really doesn’t apply to you. Is 4G enabled on your device?

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:36:22 GMT

My calls are not working at all - either in or out - and I can't retrieve voicemails either. I don't use data - the phone isn't currently linked to the internet - although it used to be. It's a very old Blackberry - 8520 I think.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:37:22 GMT

My phone won't do calls at all. It does texts fine.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:38:47 GMT

According to the reply from 150 regarding my handset - yes - it can do 4G. But I have no idea how to get it to do that. And I'm not entirely convinced they are right.

Re: 3G shutdown

bristolian — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:41:18 GMT

There's a blast from the past! The Blackberry 8520 is a 2G-only phone, so nothing has changed to affect you. When did your problems with calls start?

What happens when you try making a call? And are you on PAYG or pay-monthly?

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:41:24 GMT

If my handset is 4G compatible I just need to know how to enable it. I've
tried all sorts of internet tips but so far none of it seems to work.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:46:15 GMT

The first I noticed it was today - but I haven't made or received any calls since the end of March. It just says something about re-directing and then congestion when I try to call or access the voicemail I got today.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:46:49 GMT

I'm on a monthly contract.

Re: 3G shutdown

bristolian — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 17:21:24 GMT

Can you be more specific what "It just says something about re-directing" means - what is the exact wording? And is this an on-screen warning or an audible announcement?

Same question for "congestion when I try to call"

The Blackberry Curve 8520 is a 2G-only device - https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_curve_8520-2889.php

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 17:41:24 GMT

On the screen. "Call forwarding conditional!" appears followed by
"Congestion!"

Re: 3G shutdown

bristolian — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:18:19 GMT

The "Call forwarding conditional" on-screen popup is a side-effect of how older phones manage the call divert service, it should not cause any concern.

The "congestion" popup is an odd one though, I suspect it's the Curve mismanaging the failed call or potentially a network busy tone. But I wouldn't expect it permanently, by any stretch of the imagination. Do you get this message at all times, or just particular call attempts?

Ultimately the phone is from 2009, so 15 years old is almost an antique by current standards! You'd certainly do well to look for a newer 4G phone.

Re: 3G shutdown

Chris_B — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:48:21 GMT

@Cymraeg24 If you just want calls/texts then my I suggest THIS it’s a cheap phone but it’ll get 4G on it. There are others you could choose from also.

Re: 3G shutdown

Schockwave — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:36:31 GMT

@Cymraeg24 , you may need a new SIM card, so I would suggest getting a replacement SIM card, which you can get free of postage by going to a high street EE store with ID, or ordering it online or via the EE app for a small fee, which will be sent via second class post..

Re: 3G shutdown

bristolian — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:45:55 GMT

I have doubts that replacing the SIM is necessarily the solution, it allows authentication to the network which is evidently working if you can send texts. A 2way SIM-swap with a known working EE phone would be the acid test.

Going to an EE shop to test would be a wise move, they can also advise on budget 4G phones in stock, and replace your SIM with a new-size one if necessary.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:58:24 GMT

The sim card is new. It's a 5G ready one.

Re: 3G shutdown

Cymraeg24 — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:04:24 GMT

I agree - as I said, when I took out the contract I was given a new 5G
ready sim card so I really don't think that's the problem.

And as you said, I have no problem sending texts which I doubt I would be
able to if it was the sim card.

I really don't want the expense of new phone. I only ever use it for texts
and to receive a very occasional phone call - usually when Tesco or
Sainsburys are going to arrive a bit early with my shopping...

Apart from regular texting with my friends, it's main purpose is
verification codes sent to me by people like the bank, teachers' pensions,
paypal etc to verify I am who I say I am. So I do need it - but I don't
need a fancy one.

Re: 3G shutdown

Chris_B — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:07:29 GMT

@Cymraeg24 That’s why I linked a cheap and and cheerful £15 phone that works via 4G.