All you need to know ahead of the 3G network switch-off

TESCO MOBILE IS ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS IN BELFAST AND ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND TO CHECK THEIR PHONES NOW

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As Britain prepares to retire its ageing 3G mobile networks, Tesco Mobile is encouraging customers in Belfast and across Northern Ireland to check their phones now, so no one is left disconnected when 3G is switched off for good later this year.

In line with Government plans, every UK network will phase out 3G by the end of 2025, with some parts of the country already having completed the switch-off.

By shutting it down, networks can reuse the radio frequencies for 4G and 5G, boosting coverage, speed and capacity across the UK.

WHY 3G IS BEING SWITCHED OFF

3G simply wasn't built for how we use our phones now - voice notes, video calls, streaming, and everything in between.

By shutting it down, networks can reuse the radio frequencies for 4G and 5G, boosting coverage, speed and capacity across the UK.

But when 3G disappears, some older phones that only rely on that network will no longer work as they do now.

Calls could drop, and mobile data may stop working unless your device supports 4G or 5G and has 4G Calling (also known as VoLTE) switched on.

WE LOVE TO STAY IN TOUCH

Tesco Mobile's research* shows just how much our habits have changed since 3G first launched.

While we once relied on quick calls and texts, Brits now spend longer on video chats and voice notes - around 27 and 25 minutes a day respectively, compared with 24 minutes on calls and 23 on texts.

Nearly six in 10 people (59%) now use video calls to stay in touch, and a third (32%) prefer voice notes.