Mobile network Vodafone will begin retiring its 3G network in 2023 as part of a modernisation programme to improve 4G and 5G experience for all customers.
The programme will see 3G coverage gradually phased out and replaced by strengthened 4G and 5G services.
Retiring 3G, after 17 years and nearly 500 billion minutes of calls, is a key part of Vodafone’s strategy to give customers the most reliable network experience. Today, less than four per cent of the data used on Vodafone’s network travels on 3G, in comparison to more than 30 per cent in 2016.
To ensure customers across the UK understand what is happening and how they can stay connected, Vodafone is initiating a year-long communications campaign to help those who may need additional support.
As part of the campaign, Vodafone will encourage its more tech-savvy customers to check in on friends and family. Vodafone is also partnering with The Good Things Foundation charity, and other third parties, to ensure the campaign reaches the most vulnerable consumers.
Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation, said: “We support Vodafone with this important campaign to ensure that every consumer can stay connected during the change. Access to a digital connection is vital, especially for the most vulnerable people in our society.
"With the move away from 3G, people risk being disconnected, locked out and left behind. That’s why we’re so pleased to be working with Vodafone to ensure as many people as possible continue to have the essential digital access they need.”
The retirement of Vodafone’s 3G network is also an important part of the strategy to reach Net Zero by 2027, with modern 5G networks more than 10 times as energy efficient as old 3G equipment.
Vodafone boss Ahmed Essam added: “We’re building the UK’s most reliable mobile network, and focusing on the technologies that best connect our customers and have the least impact on the environment. 3G has connected so many customers over the last 17 years, but the future is 4G and 5G.
"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.
"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.”
To help ensure a smooth transition to 4G and 5G, Vodafone UK will use the Vodafone Group’s experience in retiring 3G networks, with successful programmes already carried out in Germany and Italy.
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