Mobile deals to make the most of as Vodafone and EE switch off 3G
Mobile providers are starting to call it quits on their 3G networks including Vodafone and EE who have both completed their switch-off. It gives more space to existing 4G and 5G networks giving users quicker speeds and the potential for better-quality voice calls.
But what does it mean for anyone with an older 3G phone? While the network may sound like a thing of the past there will be a fair number of people still using these devices, or 3G SIM-only plans. It dates back to the 2016 iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus range, often popular models for second-hand users.
The short story is, if your phone isn't compatible with a 4G or 5G network you'll have to upgrade otherwise you may not be able to use 3G data in any area where it's been switched off. The remaining 2G areas will still be available to tap into (for now) but this won't be around for long, not to mention its snail pace speeds.
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So a look through provider's recent 4G and 5G mobile deals may be on the cards for plenty of users, which is why we've handpicked a few favourites. Starting with a SMARTY SIM deal that'll get users 60GB of monthly data for just £10 a month - £2 a month cheaper than Sky Mobile's 25GB of data price.
It's not the only SMARTY SIM plan we'd recommend, also part of its voice plans (including data, texts and UK calls) users can pick from 100GB for £12 a month, 150GB for £16 a month, 200GB for £17 a month, and unlimited data for £20 a month - all of which are on a 30-day rolling contract so you won't be tied into a contract.
Vodafone and Three deals
Anyone looking to stay with their affected provider, there's also a handful of deals at Vodafone and EE worth taking a look at. And as Uswitch suggests affected users may want to start a conversation with their provider to see switching options available to them.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available on a 5G plan at Vodafone, and anyone who takes out the contract with an airtime plan can save up to £288 thanks to a current deal the provider is running on Android devices. You can see all the deals, here.
Over at EE and the Google Pixel 8 Pro starts from £45 a month, although there is a current saving of £456 thanks to its adjacent data bundle (similar to the deal over at Vodafone). This amount will be saved across the full 24-month plan.
Sky Mobile Spring Sale
If you're looking to open a contract Sky's current Spring Sale could be one to look at for a new 4G or 5G plan (Sky/ Samsung)Anyone who's looking to upgrade their older 3G device may want to take a look at Sky's existing Spring Sale, where you'll find price drops on a range of new smartphones, cheaper each month thanks to its data bundles. If you only need a new SIM, and not a new device, the provider currently has a £48 saving on its 25GB SIM only plan, while its 100GB data is reduced by £106.
Onto combined data and mobile plans, these are the ones that stood out to us. Samsung's newest Galaxy S24 is reduced by a huge £240 if you pair it with the adjacent 250GB data plan - this will cost you £48 a month. Next up is Apple's iPhone 15, which thanks to the same 250GB data bundle will also cut the price by £240 overall, this plan is much cheaper a month starting at £23.
How does the 3G switch-off affect me?
Consumer experts at Uswitch have shared more advice to put affected mobile users at ease, including the steps to take if you're affected by the network changes. A spokesperson from Uswitch said: “The 3G switch off is essential for freeing up the ‘network spectrum’ for 4G and 5G, which will ultimately be used to cope with the increasing demand our digital lives place on the network.
“The vast majority of phone users won’t need to do anything, but it is important to be aware this change is taking place, particularly for those with older relatives, who may rely on older handsets. Our recent research revealed that 2.7 million mobile users were still unsure if their device was ready for the switch off – with those aged +75 more likely to be in this boat.
“While Vodafone and EE are both reporting their 3G switch-off now, other mobile phone providers will also soon be following suit, switching off 3G over the next couple of years."
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UK providers switching off 3G
Vodafone and EE may be some of the first to make the switch off but they aren't the only retailers, as Three and O2 are also down to follow suit. And as many third-party providers run off each other networks it includes the likes of Lebara, Asda Mobile, Lycamobile and more.
Below is a list compiled by Ofcom that shows the timings for each provider as well as the other providers that use Vodafone and EE's network. Which you can see below:
- Vodafone early 2024 switch-off
- EE switch-off early 2024
- Three expects to switch-off by the end of 2024
- O2 is planning to switch-off in 2025
- Lebara Mobile, Asda Mobile , Talk Mobile and VOXI use the Vodafone network
- Your Co-op, Utility Warehouse, Lycamobile, Plusnet and BT Mobile use the EE network
- iD Mobile and Smarty, Freedompop and Superdrug Mobile use the Three network
- Tesco Mobile, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Virgin Mobile use the O2 network
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