Welcome, my tech-savvy besties! If you’re in the UK, you may have noticed some buzz around the shutdown of 3G networks. But why is this happening? And more importantly, does it affect you? Join me as we unravel the technicalities behind this change and uncover what it means for you.
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The 3G Network Shutdown: What’s Happening in the UK?
According to Ofcom, the UK’s regulatory authority, mobile operators have committed to shutting down their 2G and 3G networks by 2033 at the latest. While that may seem like a distant future, the truth is that the 3G networks are already being phased out, starting this year.
Let’s take a closer look at the timeline:
Vone: Leading the Way
Vone has taken the lead in this transition, with the final phase of the 3G shutdown happening this month. They’re keeping the 2G GSM network while bidding farewell to the 3G UMTS network.
Everything Everywhere (EE): Following Suit
EE, known as Everything Everywhere, is also beginning the 3G switch off this month. They’re adopting a similar approach to Vone, phasing out the 3G UMTS network while retaining the 2G GSM network.
Three: A Unique Approach
Three, an interesting player in this game, doesn’t have a 2G GSM network. They’re starting the shutdown of their 3G network in April this year and expect the entire project to be completed by 2024.
O2: Taking It Slow
O2, the fourth major mobile network operator in the UK, isn’t shutting down anything this year. However, they are running some trials and plan to begin the shutdown in 2025, following a similar approach to Vone.
What About MVNOs?
Now, let’s talk about Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). If you’re using a SIM card from an MVNO like Sky Mobile, Asda Mobile, or Lycamobile, here’s what you need to know:
- MVNOs using Vone cell towers, such as Asda Mobile, Liara Talk Mobile, or Voxy, will follow the same timeline as Vone.
- BT, T-Mobile, and Lebara Mobile, operating on EE’s network, will begin the 3G switch off in January this year.
- Smarty and ID Mobile, utilizing Three’s radio network, will initiate the 3G shutdown in April and complete it by 2024.
- Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, and GiffGaff, relying on O2’s radio network, won’t experience changes this year. The 3G shutdown for them will begin next year.
The Evolution of Mobile Networks
Now that we understand the timeline, let’s delve into the reasoning behind this transition. Currently, there are four generations of mobile networks in use: 2G, 3G, 4G, and the most recent, 5G. To simplify, think of them as a generational lineage: 5G as the child, 4G as the parent, 3G as the grandparent, and 2G as the great-grandparent.
As technology progresses, the older generations reach their retirement age. In this case, 3G, as the grandparent, is bidding farewell while the great-grandparent, 2G, continues to work as usual. This may seem a bit perplexing, but fear not, I’ll break it down for you.
The Technology Behind the Transition
Both 2G GSM and 3G UMTS networks use a traditional approach called circuit-switch for voice calls and text messages. Meanwhile, more recent networks like 4G and 5G utilize the Internet Protocol (IP) for all services, including voice calls, text messages, and mobile data.
So, even with the removal of the 3G UMTS Network, your voice calls and text messages can still rely on the circuit-switch technology from the 2G GSM networks as long as you have 2G coverage. This is because 2G, being the oldest technology, has wider coverage due to lower frequencies that travel further.
Moreover, 2G networks play a crucial role in cellular Internet of Things (IoT) services. They are widely used for applications like smart meters, which require reliable and widespread connectivity. By keeping the GSM networks for now, these services can continue seamlessly. So, if you have a smart meter tucked away in a tricky spot, 2G’s lower frequencies ensure it stays connected and can even reach your cell phone effortlessly.
Stay Tuned for More Techal Secrets!
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