The 3G switch-off

Is your business ready for the 3G switch-off?

In today’s digital era, as technology continues to evolve, the UK mobile network operators are saying goodbye to their 2G and 3G networks – is your business ready?

This change sets about removing these old technologies and pushing forward with the newer 4G and 5G infrastructures, which offer faster download speeds and lower latency and provide organisations who aren’t already using them the opportunity to future-proof their businesses.

If your business is not yet utilising the newer 4G and 5G networks, now is the time to switch.

What are the timescales?

The 3G switch-off is already well underway. Vodafone and EE completed their switch-off in early 2024, whilst Three is expected to complete theirs by the end of 2024. VMO2 will start to phase out its 3G offering in January 2025, with complete discontinuation by December 2025.

The 2G network will be phased out by 2033 at the latest*, meaning if you choose not to upgrade your handset before the 3G switch-off takes place, you should still be able to make and receive calls. However, it is worth noting that if you are on the Three network, they don’t have a 2G offering to fall back on, so you will need to upgrade before the end of 2024 to continue to use their services.

Operators worldwide are also turning off their 3G network, meaning if you rely on your handset whilst travelling, you may not be able to make and receive calls or use your mobile data abroad unless you upgrade to a 4G or 5G enabled device.

The 4G and 5G opportunity

The switch-off isn’t something to be feared; it’s an opportunity to future-proof your business and benefit from the newer, enhanced technologies that both 4G and 5G can bring to your organisation.

Whilst the 5G network is still being rolled out, the benefits it can bring to your business are vast. With faster speeds than its predecessors, lower latency and a bigger capacity, it further enhances working on the move, giving employees the tools they need to access their documents and data from anywhere at any time. Video conferences, document updating, instant messaging and more, working on the move is no longer just about sending that all-important email; it’s about staying in touch and fulfilling your job as if you were in the office.

It’s not just about mobile

Don’t forget that the switch-off doesn’t just affect mobile handsets and tablets; many other connected devices run on the 2G and 3G networks, including unto 2.5 million devices^, as reported by Ofcom earlier this year.

From payment terminals and ATMs to security alarms, smart meters, IoT sensors and more. Ensure you check all your connected devices and upgrade where needed to avoid disruption to your business.

It’s time to act

If your business still relies on the 2G or 3G network, now’s the time to upgrade. Utilising the newer technologies of 4G and 5G can future-proof your business. Benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity and improve communications between your employees, suppliers and customers.

Most modern mobile phones will already be 4G/5G capable so it’s just a case of making sure that your phone’s settings are set for 3G/4G/LTE/5G and not just for 3G. The settings menus differ per phone but will be similar to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network mode.

If you’re unsure if your devices are 4G or 5G compatible, speak to us at Cambridge Telecom for a free, no-obligation review. We will let you know if your devices need upgrading and provide a cost-effective solution that fits your business and budget. Speak to us today and find out how we can assist you.

Sources:

* https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/2g-and-3g-switch-off-our-expectations-of-mobile-providers/

^https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/advice-for-iot-and-third-party-device-suppliers/

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/3g-switch-off/