EE Closure of 3G Network : 10/April/2024

[2G-UK]

Hi there.

I got a text from EE regarding the closure of the 3G network on 10/April/2024.
I visited my local EE Shop to query exactly what was being closed out. I have a 20yo 2G only cellphone (GSM/GPRS : Talk & Text). It ain't broke, don't fix it. Complicating the issue, it's a T-Mobile number/sim. As a T-mobile derivative, I've been unable to register the number on the EE website. Hence the visit to an EE Shop. I'm not impressed with the interaction in the shop.
"You need the number ported from T-Mobile to an EE sim." "I've no 3G facilities; exclusively 2G." "They're going to close down the 2G network very soon." "So, if I change sims from T-Mobile to EE: I'll be able to register the cellphone online." "Yes."
A staff knowledge training issue raises it's head. The 2G network isn't being closed anytime soon. I'm going to wait until I get texts, informing me the 2G NETWORK is being shut down. I really need a quantum change in the availability of the cellphone number, to swop sims. The cellphone works: it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Any observations welcome. 2G-UK

[XRaySpeX]

Your T-Mobile'd SIM phone should continue to work on the EE 2G network until 2030 at the latest.

[bristolian]

All non-4G phones have always fallen back to 2G in the absence of 3G coverage, T-Mobile have never offered any 4G service.

EE's 4G coverage exceeds that of 2G.

[2G-UK]

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@XRaySpeX wrote:

Your T-Mobile'd SIM phone should continue to work on the EE 2G network until 2030 at the latest.

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All good stuff. I've seen EOL by 2033. It's a fluid world; so, I'm open minded regarding end dates.
I'm sure the 'text' will arrive eventually ?

Cheers ! 2G-UK 

[XRaySpeX]

EOL of 2G is legislated to be by 2033 but EE plans to do it before 2030.

[2G-UK]

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@bristolian wrote:

All non-4G phones have always fallen back to 2G in the absence of 3G coverage, T-Mobile have never offered any 4G service.

EE's 4G coverage exceeds that of 2G.

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I've a technical background in transmission comms, of all genres. 2G is the current bargain basement of mobile speed. Unless of course 19.2k Baud has been successfully harnessed, in a mobile context.
2G-UK

[2G-UK]

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@XRaySpeX wrote:

EOL of 2G is legislated to be by 2033 but EE plans to do it before 2030.

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Would a £10 Top-Up cover all ?
2G-UK

[XRaySpeX]

Cover all what? On PAYG if you topped up £10 but did not buy a pack you could use it until it is spent on calls & texts, but it won't buy any data, 2G or otherwise.

[2G-UK · Accepted solution]

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@XRaySpeX wrote:

Cover all what? On PAYG if you topped up £10 but did not buy a pack you could use it until it is spent on calls & texts, but it won't buy any data, 2G or otherwise.

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I've no use for 'DATA' whatsoever. 2G is enough for me. My handset was sold as a Smartfone in 2005. Smart enough for me.
2G-UK