Written by Armita Satari
A new study conducted by UK-based price comparison site Uswitch has revealed that as 3G networks around the country are being switched off more than half of Brits (52%) report having seen no communication at all, while over four in ten (43%) are not even aware this is happening.
Vodafone and EE are considered the two network providers to be leading the network sunset. The former has already switched off several locations across the country and the final phase of its switch-off is planned to conclude in February 2024. EE is planning to begin the switch off in January 2024 while Three is to follow suit by the end of the ear and Virgin Media O2 finally in 2025.
This move is set to help free up spectrum for the use of 4G and 5G services. “The 3G switch off will ultimately free up the ‘network spectrum’ for 4G and 5G - an important way to ensure our networks can cope with increasing demand as our digital lives continue to grow.” said Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at Uswitch.
But the nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults in the UK shows that one in eight (13%) mobile users are still unsure if their phone is 4G or 5G ready. Meanwhile another 5% have said they still use a 3G handset.
