2023 will be the year to say goodbye to 3G from Vodafone. Vodafone will begin switching off its 3G network as of January 2023, with a full national 3G switch-off targeted for completion by 30th September 2023. This is a part of the Vodafone modernisation programme and it will allow them to bring 4G and 5G to more people across the UK and improve the network experience for customers.
What will happen to the legacy 3G network?
Repurposing of 3G spectrum, after 17 years, is a key part of Vodafone’s strategy to give customers the most reliable network experience. Today, less than 4% of the data used on Vodafone’s network travels on 3G, in comparison to more than 30% in 2016. Switching off 3G will enable a greater number of 5G users to connect in more places and boost the 4G network across the country. Also, removing 3G will help Vodafone to reach net zero by 2027 as the modern 5G networks can be up to 10x more energy efficient than legacy 3G technology.
For now, the 2G network will remain in place, especially to support narrow-band IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
Older Devices with only 3G Support?
Older devices that are 3G-only should be upgraded to a 4G device and for the best network experience one that supports 4G Calling (called VoLTE). If you’re unsure whether your device supports 4G calling, contact your account manager who will happily find out for you.
If you have an IoT application that works on 3G only, you need to review if your application will continue to work on 2G when the 3G network is switched off. If you have 3G IoT devices, this is a good opportunity to review all of your IoT applications and figure out what works best for your technology needs.
