Just got email to tell me that my 3G signal box will end in 4 weeks

[stephen5000]

I live in a rural area, mobile signal is pretty non existent. However, I have used with massive success my EE 3G box which plugs into my router to give me a 5 bar strength bubble in my house.

EE sent me an email to tell me that it will stop working in 4 weeks (really short notice!). So, is there another generic box I can get to provide a secure signal bubble in my house? My mum recently had a stroke and my phone has been a lifeline to ensure all her current care is contactable.

I can't afford to spend more money, I have no disposable income and haven't even turned my heating on in 3 months, so is there a cheap option considering my phone is not WiFi compatible, so basically I'm scr*wed - thanks EE

[Profile closed]

@stephen5000 800MHz 4G could be available in your area but your device doesn't support it.

[stephen5000]

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@Profile closed wrote:

@stephen5000 800MHz 4G could be available in your area but your device doesn't support it.

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I have no idea what "800 Mhz 4G" is, I just make calls and send texts, but my phone does use 4G, I guess the 'standard' 4G is a technology on it's way out too then LOL

[stephen5000]

On searching the forum for info, came across this thread less than 2 years ago. I wonder if I'm the only one stressing out right now LOL

https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Archived-Posts/EE-Signal-Box-Flashes-Green-then-goes-to-RED/td-p/93381...

[Northerner]

Hi @stephen5000 

What tariff are you on and when can you upgrade/leave? There are a few handsets for less than £20 per month with access to WiFi calling.

Ultimately you might need to change carrier to one which provides better coverage. Or use wi-fi calling apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger Google duo etc..

Thanks

[stephen5000]

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@Northerner wrote:

Hi @stephen5000 

What tariff are you on and when can you upgrade/leave? There are a few handsets for less than £20 per month with access to WiFi calling.

Ultimately you might need to change carrier to one which provides better coverage. Or use wi-fi calling apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger Google duo etc..

Thanks

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Really appreciate your response. I'm an old man, I have an extreme aversion to FaceBook as I consider it to be nothing more than a data mining company, in addition, it owns WhatsApp so I absolutely don't do any 'social media'.

I have a SIM only deal at £6/month giving me unlimited calls/texts and 2Gb, of which I've never used more than 0.5Gb. What I have at the moment suits me perfectly, which is why I'm so angry at being forced to make a change, I don't want to change! 😃

[bristolian]

Signal Boxes are, for all intents, 3G microcells and so are affecting by the pending switch-off of the 3G network.

Legacy phones will continue to access EE's 2G network if required, but all recent devices support EE's various range of coverage enhancements.

4G-calling/VoLTE enables access to EE's "extended range" 800Mh coverage which, where available, enhances indoor & rural coverage especially.

WiFi-calling enables a device to make & receive calls & text messages - in essence, "use your phone as normal", over any WiFi-signal without any recourse to the mobile network.