Brits warned about phone settings as major service will be 'cut off' from next month

According to new research, 30 million people in the UK could lose access to the 3G mobile data network.

Phase out deadline

The UK Government has set a deadline for network providers to shut down the 3G and 2G networkscompletelyby 2033, Hull Daily Mail reports.

In new research conducted by Uswitch.com it was found that half of Britons are unaware the UK’s 3G mobile network is set to be phased out.

While many have updated to newer phones and use the modern 4G and the latest 5G technology, the research also found that one in four persons in the UK say that they use the 3G network regularly, while 7% have access only to it.

Update or rely on the sluggish 2G as a backup

3G network is going to start getting phased out by next month, but major network providers in the UK will still keep on the 2G network as a backup for a certain period.

However, the 2G network is far slower than its predecessor; with 2G it can take several minutes to load up a webpage.

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Ernest Doku, a mobile expert at Uswitch.com says that those who have new phones which rely on 4G and 5G are going to be largely unaffected they would likely have to perform updates to stay connected, Liverpool Echo reports.

‘The good news for the majority of mobile users who have upgraded to a 4G or 5G enabled device and plan - you are unlikely to be impacted by this change, although you may still need a quick software update to stay connected.’

Doku says that while it is important to keep up with new technology it is equally important to ensure that no one is left behind as the older networks are still heavily relied upon, especially in rural areas.

'Focusing investment on 4G and 5G networks is a sensible move to ensure all mobile users get access to faster and more reliable services, both now and in the future. However - it’s important to make sure no one gets left behind. Although the network speeds 3G offers are slow by modern standards, there are still people that rely on this older generation network, especially in rural areas, as a primary means of connectivity.’

Nevertheless, Doku recommends people upgrade their phones by getting a new or a refurbished one.

‘For those on a tight budget, thankfully there are pay-monthly deals that include a 4G-ready handset, such as the Samsung Galaxy A13 from as little as £13 a month. If you’d rather not buy new, you can also save by opting for a great quality refurbished phone.’

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Sources used:

-HullDailyMail: 'Millions urged to check their phones before network is switched off next month'

-LiverpoolEcho: 'Millions warned to check their mobile phones ahead of network changes next month'