{"id":43424,"date":"2023-09-16T13:39:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T13:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/histarmar.net\/?p=43424"},"modified":"2023-09-16T13:39:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T13:39:52","slug":"vodafone-customers-warned-of-major-change-to-mobile-network-some-users-may-have-to-upgrade-their-phone-for-speedy-data-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/histarmar.net\/world-news\/vodafone-customers-warned-of-major-change-to-mobile-network-some-users-may-have-to-upgrade-their-phone-for-speedy-data-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Vodafone customers warned of major change to mobile network \u2013 some users may have to upgrade their phone for speedy data | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

VODAFONE customers will soon need to upgrade their phone to use their data allowance – if they haven't had to already. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

"We\u2019ve already switched off our 3G network in\u202fPlymouth, Basingstoke, Hull, Oxford, and Glasgow," says Vodafone. <\/p>\n

"If you have a 3G phone when 3G is switched off, you\u2019ll only be able to use our 2G network.<\/p>\n

"You\u2019ll still be able to send texts and make calls, but you\u2019ll get a better connection by switching to a phone that can use 4G Calling \u2013 this means you can make calls over the 4G network."<\/p>\n

It forms part of an industry-wide effort to 3G frequencies\u00a0from the deck to make room for stronger 4G and\u00a05G services.<\/p>\n

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EE has said it will close 3G services in early 2024. <\/p>\n

Three expects to switch off its own 3G network in late 2024.<\/p>\n

While Virgin Media O2 announced last week it would\u00a0begin shutting off access to 3G\u00a0in 2025.<\/p>\n

Will I be affected?<\/h2>\n

Around 5.5million people in the\u00a0UK\u00a0are estimated to be still using devices which rely on 2G or 3G services, according to Vodafone's figures.<\/p>\n

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The decision to axe 3G will mostly affect people with older devices.<\/p>\n

This is because these devices don't have the in-built radio technology that is needed for 4G or 5G connection.<\/p>\n

The devices that will be affected will have been released pre-2012, or before 4G was first introduced.<\/p>\n

Can I still use my mobile data?<\/h2>\n

If your phone is only compatible with 2G and 3G, you will no longer be able to access most of your mobile data allowance.<\/p>\n

You must upgrade your phone to a newer model that can connect to 4G or 5G if you want to use your\u00a0mobile data.<\/p>\n

This has led campaigners to warn that turning off 3G networks will lead to people with older phones falling into "digital poverty," according to the BBC.<\/p>\n

Telecoms regulator\u00a0Ofcom has offered advice\u00a0for consumers\u00a0on the switch-off on their website.<\/p>\n

You will, however, still be able to use your call minutes and text allowance as usual.<\/p>\n

How do I know if my phone can access 4G?<\/h2>\n

Many consumers won't be able to purchase a new phone in a\u00a0cost-of-living crisis.<\/p>\n

But there is a way to check if your device can access 4G, to avoid forking out cash for a newer phone.<\/p>\n

If you have an iPhone, simply follow these steps:<\/p>\n