3g - Old Phone!

[SkeggyChris]

Being an Orange/EE customer for over 25 years with the same number too.  I'm a little dismayed at the thought of having to quit and go elsewhere as EE switch off its 3g service.  My phone is txt and phonecalls only (my choice - No data and No smartphone) which I only use for these two items.  I have had to purchase my own phones each time they are beyond repair or simply pack in, and so I have had nothing in respect of a reduction or offer of any kind from EE.  They only seem to look after the high-spenders and not the £14 a month little old me, and now it's looking like I might have to lose my lifeline with the world when they switch 3g off.  I'm looking for answers (non-Smartphone ones please). Or I'll have to go elsewhere!

Help please.... Christine aged 67 

[Chris_B]

@SkeggyChris  it’s not just EE who are switching off 3G this is happening worldwide. 
you can get phones like the Nokia 105 that’s 4G capable. ( £15 from Argos ) 4G isn’t just about date usage it’s a network connection type. 

[Schockwave]

Hello @SkeggyChris ,

Welcome to the community,

Phone calls and text will still work, but will work on 2G as 3G is being switched off, so you should still be ok.

I believe other networks will be doing the same at some point, as 4G and 5G is now used and 3G is an old system and cannot be kept alive for ever.

I would have thought that non-smart phones are also able to connect to 4G, but obviously not a very old phone, it would have to be a newer version.

You may find that you can get a refurbished phone reasonably priced that does 4G, but may then need a replacement SIM card, if your phone is not capable of 4G, but if your phone is capable of 4G, then all you need is a replacement SIM card.

[James_B]

Hi @SkeggyChris,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

That's great advice from @Chris_B.

You can also purchase the Nokia 105 direct from the EE website or in your local EE Store.

James

[SkeggyChris]

Ok thanks I'll check out the Nokia 105 I just can't cope with touch screen phones, I had one for an hour and got into a mess and took it back and bought my own Artfone, simple and straight forward for me...

Thanks for your reply

Regards 

Chris 🙂 

[lukerobinsonin2]

you will still be able to call and text after the 3G switch off, 2G is not been switched off yet

https://ee.co.uk/3g-switch-off

[bristolian]

To add, 2G equipment is still being installed and will remain supported for many years to come. It's quite capable of voice calls & text messages.

You will however, get improved coverage using a 4G-phone with VoLTE/4G-calling support. The 3G switch-off is an industry-wide programme.