Vodafone is kicking off the switch off of its legacy 3G network in the North West region in the next few weeks, following network improvements and the introduction of 5G services in Carlisle.
This step is part of a planned programme which means the radio spectrum that is currently allocated for 3G can be used to strengthen 4G and 5G services across the UK.
The company has assured customers that its 2G network, which covers more than 99 per cent of the UK population, is here to stay for the foreseeable future and will cater for calls, texts and several IoT services, along with 4G Calling.
3G switch offs have already taken place in other locations, and the company aims to complete the switch-off across the UK by the end of February 2024.
Other UK mobile network operators have confirmed to the Government that their 2G or 3G networks will not be available after the year 2033.
Vodafone’s UK Chief Network Officer, Andrea Dona, said: "Our 3G switch off programme has gone extremely well so far.
"As a result of our ongoing network improvements, data traffic has declined over the last few years with less than 2 per cent of the data used on our network being on 3G.
"This means we can start to redeploy its remaining spectrum to our 4G and 5G services, ultimately leading to stronger and faster coverage for more parts of the UK.
"Good news for both our customers but also the wider UK economy.
"At the same time, with modern networks being much more energy efficient, its retirement is also an important step forward for us reaching Net Zero for our UK operation by 2027.
"As we continue to focus on building our reliable award-winning network, now really is the time to say goodbye to 3G."
Customers wishing to learn more about the Vodafone 3G switch off programme can visit the company's website, call 191 from their Vodafone phone, or visit their local Vodafone store.
Mobile coverage has evolved over time from 2G, now more than 30 years old, 3G, more than 20 years old, 4G, introduced in 2013, to the latest generation 5G, launched in 2019.
With the retirement of 3G, users with 4G or 5G compatible phones can continue to access data in 4G or 5G coverage.
However, if the mobile phone is 3G only and has 2G, it will switch to 2G when in coverage for calls and texts. Data access will no longer work, meaning it will be unable to use data to browse the internet.
Source: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/24076375.vodafone-schedules-3g-network-shut-north-west/