Thousands of mobile phones will become obsolete this year as the 3G network is switched off for good.
Adding to the problem, it's estimated that seven million smart meters could also be rendered useless. Telecom giants are currently phasing out the ageing 3G network - allowing them to make room for more advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G. 3G networks, first introduced in the early 2000s, made it possible to access the internet via a mobile phone, alongside voice services.
However, the introduction of 4G in the 2010s and 5G in 2019 has enabled faster mobile broadband and higher bandwidth data services. Two major networks, EE and Vodafone, have already completed their 3G switch-off. This means customers with firms that depend on these networks, such as BT Mobile, TalkTalk, Voxi and 1p Mobile, have also been impacted.
Thousands of customers on Three and O2 will begin to lose their 3G connection in the coming months. Those with giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Sky and iD Mobile will also be affected, reports the Sun. Three plans to shut off its 3G signal before the end of the year, while O2 says that it will start in 2025. All mobile networks are required to shut down their 2G services by 2033, making any device without 4G-capabilities obsolete.
While most mobile users have already transitioned to 4G or 5G networks, if you have an older handset, you'll be unable to access data services once 3G is phased out. Customers on the Three network may also lose the ability to send and receive text messages and make calls as the network does not operate its own 2G network, which serves as a backup.
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It's not just mobile phone connections that will be impacted. According to a report by the cross-party Public Accounts Committee, approximately seven million smart meters could become non-functional when these masts are decommissioned. Smart meters operate by sending automatic meter readings to suppliers to help generate accurate bills. If they stop working, customers will have to revert to sending manual readings to their supplier.
However, the Data Communications Company, which built and now runs Britain's smart meter network, has expressed less concern about the 3G switch-off. It stated that the majority of smart meters across England and Wales rely on O2's cellular network. If your phone only operates on the 3G network, most customers will need to purchase a 4G or 5G compatible device. Ofgem is considering a one-off increase to the energy price cap of up to £17 a year to help prevent suppliers from going bust as they face spiralling consumer debts.
Three has confirmed that it will consider giving vulnerable people a free handset upgrade on a "case-by-case" basis. O2 said it is assessing its options and will decide whether it will offer similar support when it starts its switch-off. If you are not eligible for support, brand new 4G-compatible devices can cost anywhere from £40 all the way up to £1,849.
You might find that shopping around gets you the best deal. For example, a touchscreen Alcatel 1 smartphone can be picked up online and in-store at Argos for £39.99. If you are considering an iPhone, save cash by buying a refurbished handset. These products have rarely undergone any extensive use and are not to be confused with pre-owned devices.
A brand new iPhone SE costs £429 directly from Apple. But shoppers visiting Argos can pick up the same refurbished model for just £189.99. If you are vulnerable and your network hasn't contacted you and won't offer support or an alternative device, make a complaint.
Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, has set out guidelines which mobile networks must comply with. Firms must contact customers to explain what steps they need to take. If a formal complaint gets you nowhere, after eight weeks you can ask for a "deadlock letter" and take your dispute to the Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme. There are two telecommunications ADR schemes - Communication Ombudsman and CISAS. Your provider is required to be a member of one of these.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: "Energy suppliers are obliged to upgrade communications equipment to ensure smart meters continue to be connected, and we are working with industry to support a smooth transition for consumers when 2G and 3G is switched off at the end of 2033.”
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