As 3G mobile coverage heads for retirement, some communities may need a boost to keep using their phones.
Vodafone has confirmed it will begin the retirement of its legacy 3G network in 2023.
This is a similar timescale to plans by BT to phase BT Mobile, EE and Plusnet customers off 3G by the end of next year.
The plan with the switch off is for 4G and 5G to get coverage and speed boost from repurposing of 3G spectrum.
However, in its Connected Nations report in December, Ofcom estimated more than four million active devices continue to rely on 2G and 3G communications, adding that 2G will remain important, particularly for making voice calls, until more customers upgrade to 4G handsets.
There are also parts of the UK where some premises don't have a reliable 4G signal.
The four Mobile Network Operators - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – each estimate they provide 4G outdoor coverage to around 99% of premises.
Indoor 4G coverage ranges between 90% and 95% of all premises.
However, people in Powys in mid Wales are the most likely to struggle for 4G, with 3.6% of premises having no reliable signal outside.
Reliable coverage is based on the minimum signal strength required to at a minimum deliver a 98% probability of making a 90 second telephone call successfully and for 4G it also delivers a 95% chance of getting a download speed of at least 2Mbit/s. The data is based on what coverage looked like on September 1, 2021.
Areas with the highest proportion of premises without reliable 4G outside:
- Powys // 3.6% // 2,501
- Na h-Eileanan Siar // 2.8% // 457
- Richmondshire // 2.5% // 632
- Ryedale // 2.4% // 722
- Ceredigion // 2.4% // 891
- Newry, Mourne and Down // 2.1% // 1,444
- Eden // 1.6% // 482
- Argyll and Bute // 1.6% // 867
- Gwynedd // 1.4% // 928
- Derbyshire Dales // 1.3% // 485
- West Devon // 1.1% // 288
- South Hams // 1% // 477
- Craven // 1% // 292
Coverage inside buildings may be even poorer, with one in nine buildings in Na h-Eileanan Siar in struggling for good 4G signal.
Areas with the highest proportion of premises without reliable 4G inside, and estimated number of premises affected:
- Na h-Eileanan Siar // 10.9% // 1,794
- West Devon // 9.6% // 2,598
- Ceredigion // 8.8% // 3,303
- Newry, Mourne and Down // 8.5% // 5,966
- Powys // 8.3% // 5,796
- Eden // 7.5% // 2,266
- Orkney Islands // 6.1% // 773
- Torridge // 5.9% // 2,013
- Forest of Dean // 5.6% // 2,332
- Shetland Islands // 5.2% // 614
- Richmondshire // 5.2% // 1,304
- Argyll and Bute // 4.9% // 2,736
- South Hams // 4.8% // 2,354
- Ryedale // 4.5% // 1,351
- Mid Ulster // 4.5% // 2,464
- Derbyshire Dales // 4.2% // 1,584
- Monmouthshire // 4.2% // 1,910
- Mid Devon // 4.2% // 1,580
- Gwynedd // 4% // 2,710
For customers with patchy coverage, they may still be able to make voice calls over 2G.
Indoor calls can be boosted by mobile repeaters that increase signal or supplemented by WiFi calling, although Ofcom estimates around 38,000 premises don't have decent fixed broadband or 4G.
Vodafone has launched a year-long campaign, working with charities and other third-party groups to reach its most vulnerable customers ahead of the change.
Vodafone’s UK CEO, Ahmed Essam, said: “We’re going to be focused on giving customers a faster and more reliable mobile experience, and minimising our impact on the environment by taking away a layer of our network that uses inefficient equipment.
"We start communicating to customers about this today – our goal is for everyone to stay connected, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure that’s the case. During the campaign, we’ll be asking customers not just to make sure that their own phone supports 4G and 4G Calling, but also to check in on friends and family.
“There are people who aren’t confident with technology, and we want to ensure everyone is getting the help that they need, so that no one is left behind.”
