What’s happening?
Three, iD Mobile’s network partner, has announced it’s phasing out its 3G network and will be switching it off by the end of 2024. At the same time, they’ll continue to invest in rolling out 4G and 5G, meaning more people in more places will be able to take advantage of being on the UK’s Fastest 5G Network, as awarded by Ookla™.
In total, Three are investing £2 billion into the network, and it’ll help deliver far better connectivity, whether you’re streaming, gaming, browsing or video calling. The goal is lightning-fast speed and excellent reliability - to bring you the best mobile experience possible!
What does this mean for me?
If you have a 3G only phone, you’ll be unable to use data, make calls or send text messages on iD Mobile’s network once 3G in your area is switched off.
If you have a 4G Calling (VoLTE) phone, but 4G is disabled within your phone settings, you’ll still be able to send texts and use your data, but you won’t be able to make calls.
Just so you know, some selected countries are also switching off their 3G networks, so you’ll need a 4G compatible phone to make and receive calls, or use data services. Find out if your phone is 4G Calling compatible.
What should I do if my phone is not compatible?
If your phone is not compatible, we recommend upgrading to a phone that supports 4G calling (VoLTE).
4G calling (or VoLTE) is a free iD service that lets you call over a 4G network. Indoor blackspots can stop you from getting connected. But with 4G calling, that's not a problem. It gives you clearer calls in more places than ever before.
Check here to upgrade your phone online.
What is 4G Calling (VoLTE)?
4G Calling (VoLTE) is another great iD feature on selected handsets. This free service lets you make and receive calls over our 4G Network.
We know that indoor blackspots can stop you getting connected. With 4G Calling, that's not a problem.
It gives you clearer calls, in more places than ever before.
How do I get 4G Calling?
1. Check that your phone is compatible.
We only support a select number of handsets currently. If you have one of these, you'll be good to go.
Apple Phones:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone SE (2020)
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhoneXS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 14
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE
- iPhone SE 2nd Gen
- iPhone SE SE 3rd Gen
Android Phones:
Alcatel:
- Alcatel 1X (2019)
- Alcatel 1S
- Alcatel 1S 2021
- Alcatel 1B
- Alcatel 3 (5053Y)
- Alcatel 3L
- Alcatel 3L 2021
- Alcatel 1B 2022
- Doro 7080
- Google Pixel 4A
- Google Pixel 4A (5G ready)
- Google Pixel 5 5G
- Google Pixel 6 5G
- Google Pixel 6 Pro 5G
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel Fold
- Huawei P10
- Huawei P10 Lite
- Huawei P10 Plus
- Huawei P Smart (2018)
- Huawei P Smart (2019)
- Huawei P Smart (2020)
- Huawei P Smart (2021)
- Huawei P20
- Huawei P20 Plus
- Huawei P20 Lite
- Huawei P8 Lite
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro
- Huawei Mate 20 Lite
- Huawei Y5P
- Huawei Y6 (2019)
- Huawei Y6S
- Huawei Y7
- Huawei Y7 (2019)
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro
- Huawei P30 Lite (2020)
- Huawei P30
- Huawei P30 Pro
- Huawei P40 Lite
- Huawei P40 5G
- Huawei P40 Pro 5G
- Honor Play
- Honor View 10
- Honor View 20
- Honor 9 Lite
- Honor 9X
- Honor 10
- Honor 10 Lite
- Honor 20
- Honor X6
- Honor X7
- Honor X7A
- Honor 8X
- Honor 8Xa
- Honor 8A
- Honor 50
- Honor 70
- Honor Magic 4 Lite 5G
- Honor Magic 5 Lite 5G
- Motorola One Macro
- Motorola G8 Plus
- Motorola G9 Power
- Motorola G13
- Motorola E6S
- Motorola G 5G Plus
- Motorola G 50
- Motorola G8 Power Lite
- Motorola Moto G22
- Motorola G32
- Motorola Edge 20
- Motorola Edge 20 Lite
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro
- Motorola G13
- Motorola G53 5G
- Motorola G73 5G
- Nokia 1.3
- Nokia 2.2
- Oppo A57
- Oppo A72
- Oppo Reno 4
- Oppo Reno 4Z
- Oppo Reno Pro
- Oppo Reno 8 Pro
- Oppo Reno 8Z
- Oppo A15
- Oppo A54
- Oppo A54s
- Oppo A77
- Oppo Find X2 Lite
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Oppo Find X3 Neo
- Oppo Find X3 Lite
- Oppo Find X5
- Oppo Find X5 Pro
- Oppo Find X5 Lite
- Redmi Note 11
- Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
- Samsung A21S
- Samsung A22 5G
- Samsung A3 (2017)
- Samsung S7
- Samsung S7 Edge
- Samsung S8
- Samsung S8+
- Samsung S9
- Samsung S9+
- Samsung S10
- Samsung S10+
- Samsung S10e
- Samsung S20 (4G)
- Samsung S20 (5G Ready)
- Samsung S20 Plus (5G Ready)
- Samsung S20 Ultra (5G Ready)
- Samsung S20 FE
- Samsung S20 FE (5G Ready)
- Samsung S21 (5G Ready)
- Samsung S21 Plus (5G Ready)
- Samsung S21 Ultra (5G Ready)
- Samsung A10
- Samsung A3
- Samsung A5
- Samsung A51 (2020)
- Samsung A6
- Samsung A7
- Samsung A71
- Samsung A9
- Samsung A12
- Samsung A13
- Samsung A14 5G
- Samsung A20e
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
- Samsung A40
- Samsung A42 5G
- Samsung A50
- Samsung A52 (5G Ready)
- Samsung A52s 5G
- Samsung A53
- Samsung A70
- Samsung A80
- Samsung A02s
- Samsung A03s
- Samsung A03
- Samsung A32 5G
- Samsung A033 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy J4 + (2018)
- Samsung J6
- Samsung Galaxy J6+ (2018)
- Samsung J6 (2018)
- Samsung Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- Samsung Note 10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 +
- Samsung S21 FE 5G
- Samsung S22
- Samsung S22 Plus
- Samsung S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Fold 4
- Sony L4
- Sony XZ3
- Sony XZ2
- Sony XA2
- Sony L3
- Sony Xperia X10 (SM13)
- Sony Xperia 1 (PF13)
- Sony Xperia 1 II 5G
- Sony Xperia 5
- Sony Xperia 5 II (5G ready)
- TCL 306
- TCL 30SE
- Xiaomi 12
- Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
2. Make sure you have access to 4G.
Using 4G calling requires you to have access to 4G. Make sure that your mobile data is turned on and you have a 4G connection available.
3. Make sure your software is up to date.
You now need to update your phone's software, if it’s not bang up to date already. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll need to install the latest software and accept the latest carrier settings.
What is the network coverage like in my area?
You can see whether 4G or 5G coverage is available in your area using this handy network coverage checker.
When will the 3G network be switched off?
The switch off will be starting in April 2024, with the areas outlined in the map below.
3G masts will be switched off starting in the Midlands area of the UK and some Welsh border towns. There may also be isolated changes to 3G in other areas.
We’re reaching out to all customers who are using 3G or 4G (non-VoLTE) compatible phones to let them know when the 3G services will be switched off in their area.
then a small FAQ accordian section with the following questions…
Why are Three switching off their 3G network?
In December 2021, the UK government announced 2G and 3G will be phased out by 2033. By switching off these networks, Three can focus funds and resources on new, more efficient 4G/5G tech. And that’ll benefit you even more.
Three are not the only network turning off 3G; other networks in the UK and abroad are phasing out their 3G networks too.
When will the 3G switch-off happen?
3G will be phased out slowly, starting in early 2023. We expect it to be switched off by the end of 2024.
I have a 3G device – what should I do?
Your 3G phone will not be able to make calls, send messages or use data services once 3G in your area is turned off. It’s a great time to upgrade to a compatible 4G or 5G device.
My current phone suits my accessibility needs – do I have to change it?
We know it’s important having a phone that does exactly what you need it to. But if the phone you’re using isn’t 4G calling compatible, you won’t be able to use it on our network after 3G is switched off.
