3g switchoff

[genesiscaress]

So according to what I have found, the 3G switchoff doesn't affect 2G / EDGE, for calls and SMS? My grandmother still uses a samsung slider phone and she would hate to have to switch to a new phone.. Thanks!

[EssexBoyEE]

Correct, 2G and 2G enhanced Data Services, ie, 2.5G, GPRS, Edge etc, are all unfected by the 3G Switch Off. 

So 3G gets switched off before 2G, if your wondering why, it's to do with the Original International Roaming Agreements that were agreed for GSM (900mhz) and GSM/PCN (1800mhz) when it all started all them years ago, these Agreements are still in place for a few years yet. 

3G uses additional Radio Spectrum above 2G, and as its an older Generation now and  that 4G is well and truly established Worldwide, it makes sense to get rid of 3G and reuse (ReFarm) the Spectrum for 4/5G.

Chris.

[vpn2025]

i wonder why 2g data has stopped working on my tmobile sim card then

[EssexBoyEE]

As far as I know the T Mobile Service got restricted a while back, unless you upgraded to EE's Full Feature Network. 

[vpn2025]

did they intentionally block data access on tmobile, the reason i have not upgraded is 1.i like been able to pay £1 a day for data and 2. my area has only 2g now so i would get no benefit from upgrading to full EE

[EssexBoyEE]

I'm an old T Mobile User prior to EE, so I kind off understand where you are coming from I had for years the TM Full Monty Contract Unlimited Data package which I kept going for years as the UL Data was dropped by all the Networks untill recently, now it's become fashionable again, I also had some PAYG Sims on the UL Data for £1 a Day, £2 per week, £5 per month and 20 quid for 6 Months, but they all stopped working moons ago, point being, or what I'm trying to say, is that the TM Service has been restricted, or switched off for a while now, are you saying that you still have an original TM Sim that's still active on the EE Network now?

[vpn2025]

yes my sim is active but only calls and texts work

[EssexBoyEE]

Hmm, OK, from a technical point of view if you still have access then you should be able to access Data, although it will be extremely slow. I think your probably on borrowed time in terms of your TM Sim still working in the future though. 

Could be worth have a Chat with EE Retentions (not Upgrades) and see if they can do a deal for you, seem to remember that EE had a special TM to EE upgrade Team in place,, but I don't have further details on that one. 

[bristolian]

The 2G network remains live for voice & text usage, and is capable of very limited data usage. But I have heard anecdotal comments that are consistent with there not being data capability on EE's 2G service.

For all intents & purposes, no-one should consider 2G capable of anything other than the most basic data service - and be a frustrating experience at that. A 4G phone will give a vastly improved experienced for both voice & data both now & in the future.