![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/vodafone-customers-warned-of-major-change-some-may-have-to-upgrade-their-phone/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NINTCHDBPICT000724713019.jpg&description=RING RING Published : 12:30, 16 Sep 2023 VODAFONE customers will soon need to upgrade their phone to use their data allowance - if they haven't had to already. The network is set to shut off its 3G services completely by early 2024, but has already axed services in some areas of the UK . 1 Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services, according to Vodafone's figures Credit: Alamy "We've already switched off our 3G network in Plymouth, Basingstoke, Hull, Oxford, and Glasgow," says Vodafone . "If you have a 3G phone when 3G is switched off, you'll only be able to use our 2G network. "You'll still be able to send texts and make calls, but you'll get a better connection by switching to a phone that can use 4G Calling – this means you can make calls over the 4G network." It forms part of an industry-wide effort to 3G frequencies from the deck to make room for stronger 4G and 5G services . EE has said it will close 3G services in early 2024. Three expects to switch off its own 3G network in late 2024. While Virgin Media O2 announced last week it would begin shutting off access to 3G in 2025. Will I be affected? Around 5.5million people in the UK are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services, according to Vodafone's figures. The decision to axe 3G will mostly affect people with older devices. This is because these devices don't have the in-built radio technology that is needed for 4G or 5G connection. The devices that will be affected will have been released pre-2012, or before 4G was first introduced. Can I still use my mobile data? If your phone is only compatible with 2G and 3G, you will no longer be able to access most of your mobile data allowance. You must upgrade your phone to a newer model that can connect to 4G or 5G if you want to use your mobile data. This has led campaigners to warn that turning off 3G networks will lead to people with older phones falling into "digit){kind=link}
VODAFONE customers will soon need to upgrade their phone to use their data allowance – if they haven’t had to already.
The network is set to shut off its 3G services completely by early 2024, but has already axed services in some areas of the UK.
“We’ve already switched off our 3G network in Plymouth, Basingstoke, Hull, Oxford, and Glasgow,” says Vodafone.
“If you have a 3G phone when 3G is switched off, you’ll only be able to use our 2G network.
“You’ll still be able to send texts and make calls, but you’ll get a better connection by switching to a phone that can use 4G Calling – this means you can make calls over the 4G network.”