3G is the third generation of mobile technology, deployed in the UK from 2003. It's the network older phones fall back to when 4G/5G aren't available — and it's being switched off.
UK 3G shutdown timeline
- Vodafone: shut down 3G in 2024
- EE: shut down 3G in 2024
- Three: shut down 3G in early 2025
- O2: shutting down 3G during 2025
After shutdown, those frequencies are reallocated to 4G and 5G for better coverage and speed.
What you need
A 4G phone with VoLTE support. Most phones from 2018 onwards qualify. If your phone is older, voice calls may stop working on certain networks after the shutdown.
Why now
3G is energy-inefficient compared to 4G/5G. Shutting it down lets networks reduce power costs, free up valuable spectrum, and consolidate maintenance.