We’ll be switching off our 3G network in 2024
We’re currently phasing out our 3G network and we aim to switch it off completely at the end of 2024. But it’s not just us, other network providers are doing the same thing. This change will allow us to expand our 4G and 5G coverage to make sure everyone enjoys the best connectivity.
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How to check if your device is compatible with 4G VolTE or 5G
You can check to see if your phone is 4G Calling compatible by following the simple steps below.
iOS devices
If you have an iPhone 6, or newer, your device will be compatible.- Go to ‘Settings’ on your iPhone
- Tap on ‘Mobile Data’
- Tap on ‘Mobile Data Options’
- Tap on ‘Voice & Data’
- If your device is compatible with 4G VolTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ already selected
Android devices
Most Android smartphones made in the past decade support 4G VolTE- Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone
- Tap on ‘Network & Internet’
- Tap on ‘Mobile Network’
- If your device is compatible with 4G VolTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’
Not sure what device you have?
We recommend you check your device manufacturer’s website.
Checked your phone?
If it’s incompatible, we have some suggestions for you. SMARTY don’t do handsets but we’re here to guide you through some options so you can find the right one for you.
FAQs
In December 2021, the UK government announced that 2G and 3G will be phased out by 2033. Since then, some of our competitors have already announced plans to switch off 3G networks.
Aside from the government guidance to sunset 2G and 3G spectrum by 2033, 4G and 5G are newer, faster, and more efficient technologies, so switching off 3G allows us to focus our investments and spectrum resources which will benefit our customers.
We’ll gradually phase out 3G over the next two years before we aim to retire entirely by the end of 2024.
When 3G is switched off in your area, you will need a 4G VoLTE-compatible device to continue to make calls, texts and use data.
If we think you do not have a 4G-VoLTE compatible device, we will contact you a minimum of 30 days before the 3G switch-off date in your area, so you will have plenty of time to find a suitable replacement.
We've listed a few easy ways you can check this here.
We won’t support any device that only relies on 3G for data, calls or texts after 2024, so you won’t be able to get connected.
We understand how important your device is for your needs. If your current device isn’t 4G VoLTE compatible, we’ll be happy to discuss devices that could suit your needs. Our dedicated Accessibility Team are on hand to help with any specific queries you might have.
We understand that making a purchase of a new device isn't always an option, however, to make this process as easy as possible, we'll be in touch to give you advanced notice when 3G is due to be switched off in your area and we believe you are impacted as a result of your device functionality.
There are many ways to sustainably upgrade your device, for example, SMARTY is partnered with reboxed©, where you can benefit from exclusive SMARTY customer discounts on a refurbished phone.
You can also shop at retailers like Argos, Amazon and Currys who all sell a wide range of low cost, SIM-free 4G VoLTE devices.
You’ll need a VoLTE-compatible device to enable you to continue to make calls, texts and use data over the 4G network.
Some device’s are 4G, but do not have VoLTE capability, meaning you'll need to upgrade to a VoLTE-compatible device to connect to the 4G VoLTE spectrum when 3G is turned off in your area.
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