Forced off 2G/3G contract

David_McCowen · ‎25-04-2023

I have a EE 3G contract for my Nokia 3310 (2001 version). I don't use data on 3G, and make about a dozen outgoing calls per year, in 'emergencies'. Hence my phone has very low but very important usage. Since 2G is not being turned off, I should be able to make voice and text calls on the 2G network (until 2G gets switched off too) as normal. Other replies on this forum confirm this is the case. EE has notified me that it is going to force me off my 3G contract next month but my contract is brilliant (no monthly fees, perfect for my usage) and I have no intention of giving it up. I have not agreed to any change of contract. Customer services did not seem to know that 2G exists and offered me an £8 per month pay as you go as a replacement. Furthermore EE want me to buy a new 4G phone to put the new 4G SIM in - hello, 'cost of living', anyone? So how do I find someone in EE who can deal with this? Joined this forum in hope of help.

XRaySpeX · ‎25-04-2023

A contract with no monthly fees? You sure it's not PAYG?

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bristolian · ‎25-04-2023

Legally, EE are quite within their rights to change your priceplan at anytime with 30days notice. If you don't want to accept whatever plan has been offered you, then you should start to investigate alternatives now.

You are correct to believe that the 2G network will continue to be available to non-4G devices after 3G switchoff.

@XRaySpeX wrote:

A contract with no monthly fees? You sure it's not PAYG?

I would ordinarily concur with this, but the OP may have a legacy "OVP-Virgin" type package that has been ringfenced since several years now.

David_McCowen · ‎25-04-2023

Yes indeed, it is the Virgin EQ. I believe it is ringfenced since I am sure I would have been kicked off it 10 years ago if I could have been. It is a monthly no-fee contract. I just pay for the calls by direct debit in the months I make calls.

ste2830 · ‎13-10-2023

All you need to do is speak to upgrades, ask for it to be changed to PAYG and job done without issue. Put a small credit on account maybe £5/£10 for your emergency usage, it has no expiry date on it. The only condition is you need to make 1 chargeable transaction every 90 days to remain active (a text or call sufficient). They can cease services provided have sufficient notice as per the T&C's in your contact.

bristolian · ‎14-10-2023

Hi @ste2830

The post you've replied to a fortnight shy of 6 months old, just so you're aware.

Griswald1 · ‎27-04-2024

My Mum had a 2G phone, when the 3G was turned off , the strain on the 2G mast caused a loss of signal.

As Mum was a registered as a vunrable customer, due to age, I managed to get her a free 4G Doro phone, from EE.

bristolian · ‎27-04-2024

Increased load on 2G sites doesn't manifest as loss of coverage, in the same way as could happen with 3G in extreme circumstances.

A change to a 4G phone is always a good outcome from an older device.