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Our plans to switch off 3G

Everything you need to know

We’re phasing out our 3G network and aim to switch it off by the end of 2024. We’re not alone in doing this – other networks in the UK and abroad are in the process of phasing out their 3G service, too.

While this is going on, we’re also working on improving our 4G and 5G services, with the goal of providing faster download speeds, better-quality streaming, and an even more reliable service.

What you’ll need to do to stay connected to our network

First, you'll need to check that your device is compatible with 4G Calling. Search for your device then, go to Specifications, Network, then 4G Calling.

Not sure which device you’ve got? Use our IMEI checker to find out.

Next, check if 4G or 5G is available in your local area using our coverage checker.  

If it hasn’t arrived yet, don’t worry. We’re working on it, so please check again soon for the latest update.

Still not working? 

If your device is 4G Calling compatible and you’ve got 4G or 5G coverage available in your area. We’d recommend checking that 4G Calling is switched on in your device settings. 

You can find steps on how to do this on our device support page. Pick your device then search for 4G Calling and select Enable or disable 4G Calling.

What the 3G switch off means for you

To enjoy the benefits that come with switching off our 3G service there are some things you need to check. Firstly, your device must be compatible with 4G Calling and have 4G Calling enabled or be 5G ready. 

If you’re using a tablet or any other data-only device, you need one that’s compatible with 4G or 5G. And you’ll need to have 4G or 5G switched on in your device settings.  

We’re phasing out our 3G network and soon, we’ll be one of the UK’s first exclusively 4G and 5G networks. So, if you’re using a device that’s compatible with 4G Calling and has 4G or 5G settings turned on, you’ll have access to the very latest technology.  

If you don’t have a compatible device, now’s the perfect time to consider changing it. You’ll need one that’s capable of 4G data or 4G Calling – also known as VoLTE. We’ll help you pick the right device for you.

Chat about your upgrade options

Pay Monthly customers

If you’re a Pay Monthly customer, give us a call and we can talk you through your upgrade options.  

SIM Only customers  

You can upgrade to a 4G or 5G device even if you’re still within the minimum term of your contract [1].

Have a look at our range of 4G and 5G Ready phones and contact us for help. 

Pay As You Go customers

You can upgrade to a 4G or 5G device at any time. Check out our 4G and 5G Ready phones online or head into your local store.

Business customers  

If you’re a business customer, get in touch with our Business team to find out what’s available.

Mobile Broadband customers  

Find out if your device is compatible with 4G and how to turn it on.

If you don’t have a 4G device 

Take a look at our 4G Mobile Broadband devices and the upgrade options we have available for you.

I’m not sure what it might cost to upgrade, what should I do? 

We’re here to help you understand all of your upgrade options. You can get in touch with us at three.co.uk/support/contact-us 

If you’re worried about how this change might impact you, please get in-touch. We can have a chat about your situation and look to find the right support to meet your individual needs. three.co.uk/vulnerability

Need more help? 

At Three, we aim to be inclusive and provide the right level of support for every customer. To find out how we can help and register your accessibility needs you can visit our accessibility hub.

My current device is suitable for my accessibility needs, what support is available to me?

We understand how important your device is to you. So if your phone isn’t 4G calling compatible, have a chat with our Accessibility team.

To find out how we can help and to register your accessibility needs, visit our accessibility hub at three.co.uk/accessibility. Or get in touch with us at three.co.uk/accessibility/contact-us.

The device I have is suitable for my accessibility needs and I don’t want to change it, what should I do?

We understand how important your device is to you. And we want to make sure that you’re using a device that suits your needs and is ready for the future of our network. 

Using a device that isn’t 4G Calling compatible or uses 3G-only data – like a tablet or Mobile Broadband? Get in touch with our Accessibility team at three.co.uk/accessibility/contact-us and they’ll help you find a device that works for you.  

If you’re using a device that isn’t 4G Calling compatible or uses 3G-only data – such as Mobile Broadband or a tablet – have a chat with our Accessibility team at three.co.uk/accessibility/contact-us to find one that’ll work for you.

What can you expect from the 3G switch-off? 

Better network performance and call quality

By switching off our 3G network, we can re-use the 3G spectrum for our 4G and/or 5G service. That means we can offer higher-quality calls, smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and better overall performance. 

Plus, 4G technology offers better voice quality with better sound and clarity compared with 3G.  And it offers 4G Calling – also known as VoLTE and Enhanced Voice Speech.

99% UK coverage

Our 4G network covers 99% of the UK population (outdoor coverage). And our 5G coverage is growing every day too.  

Plus, we’ve been awarded UK’s Fastest 5G Network by Ookla [2] for the third year running.  So, if you want super-fast downloads, smooth streaming, and lag-free gaming, make sure you’ve got a 5G ready device.

Emergency Alerts 

Our 4G and 5G networks also carry Emergency Alerts – a free service from the UK government. They warn you if there’s a severe danger to life or property nearby. It may send alerts about anything from severe flooding and fires to terror attacks or public health emergencies.

Lower energy consumption

4G and 5G networks are more energy efficient than 3G networks. Mobile devices using a 4G or 5G network will have a longer battery life. And with less need to charge your device, you can enjoy a more convenient experience.

Frequently asked questions

If you bought your phone from us after 2016, it’s likely that you’ll have 4G Calling – also known as VoLTE – capability. In 2016, we were the first UK operator to use 4G for voice calls, giving you a better-quality experience. 

You can check if your phone’s 4G Calling capable and how to switch it on in your device settings in our device support hub.

Older 4G devices might not be 4G Calling compatible. You can check yours on our device support hub. Pick your device then go to Specifications, Network, then 4G Calling.  

If your phone’s 4G Calling compatible, you need to make sure it’s turned on in your device settings. 

4G ready devices that aren’t 4G Calling compatible will still be able to send and receive text messages, and use 4G data on a temporary basis – but cannot make calls using our 4G network. 

Once our 3G network has been switched off, data and text messages won’t work.  

If you’ve got a 4G data only device, such as a tablet – you’ll stay connected to our 4G network.

We’re phasing out our 3G network and expect to have it completely switched off by the end of 2024. So, now’s a good time for you to swap to a 4G Calling or 5G device, if you don’t already have one. 

Got a 3G-only data device such as a tablet or Mobile Broadband? You’ll need to change to a 4G or 5G ready device to stay connected to our network.

By the time our 3G switch-off is complete - by the end of 2024 - we’ll have enabled 4G in these areas. You can keep up to date on network improvements using our coverage checker. 

3G will continue to be supported in most areas for a little while yet, and we’ll be in touch when we gradually phase it out. If your device isn’t 4G or 5G compatible, it’s worth exploring your options now, rather than when the time comes.

If you don’t want to upgrade right now, there may be other options – like Pay As You Go – available. 

Get in touch with us at three.co.uk/support/contact-us and we’ll check what options are available and help you prepare for our 3G switch off.   

It may be worth asking friends or family if they’ve got a spare 4G Calling device you could use while deciding what you’d like to do.

We’re here to help you understand all your upgrade options. You can get in touch with us at three.co.uk/support/contact-us 

If you’re worried about how this change might impact you, please get in-touch. We can have a chat about your situation and look to find the right support to meet your individual needs.  

three.co.uk/vulnerability

On 8 December 2021, the Government announced that all public 2G and 3G networks will be switched off by 2033 at the latest. However, operators have been encouraged to switch off their networks — particularly 3G networks — earlier than that.

We want to make sure we’re ready and ahead of the game, so we can free up as much investment as possible for our 4G and 5G network rollout. This will bring you better connectivity and the best possible mobile experience. 

After 2024, we won’t be able to support any device that relies on 3G only for data and calls. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to connect to our 4G or 5G networks.

If you’ve got a 3G data-only Mobile Broadband device, it won’t be supported after 2024. So, we’d recommend that you consider upgrading your device. 

If you’ve got a 4G or 5G data-only Home or Mobile Broadband device, you don’t need to do anything.

Pairing your smartwatch with your phone is done using 4G connectivity and 4G Calling is used to make and receive calls on your smartwatch. Our existing 4G network won’t be affected by the 3G switch off. So, you should be able to continue using your smartwatch without any problems.