2g or 4g?

cymruchris

I think a few respondents to your question are answering in light of the recently highlighted 3g switch off announcements. Once 3g is switched off, 2g will continue to work. 2g currently has no imminent switch off date for any network - EE says before 2030 - and Vodafone/O2 haven't made any announcements.

So I think it's safe to say for the likely life of the phone you're going to purchase for someone that has no need of internet, I'd very much get a 2g handset if the price was cheaper, and the functionality suitable for your mum's use. 

For your specific requirements - you definitely don't need a 4g phone - and as you say as much as you can get 4g phones cheap, they'll be nothing but confusing for your mum, to the extent she'll likely not use it. 

Grumpysally

cymruchris said:

I think a few respondents to your question are answering in light of the recently highlighted 3g switch off announcements. Once 3g is switched off, 2g will continue to work. 2g currently has no imminent switch off date for any network - EE says before 2030 - and Vodafone/O2 haven't made any announcements.

So I think it's safe to say for the likely life of the phone you're going to purchase for someone that has no need of internet, I'd very much get a 2g handset if the price was cheaper, and the functionality suitable for your mum's use. 

For your specific requirements - you definitely don't need a 4g phone - and as you say as much as you can get 4g phones cheap, they'll be nothing but confusing for your mum, to the extent she'll likely not use it. 

Thank you. This is what I thought. Nowhere had I read that 2g was being imminently switched off. 

Newcad

2G (GSM) will be continuing for a while after the 3G switch offs, because 2G is used by IoT things (like 'Smart' bus stop signs).

However you should regard the 2030 date as a last resort, it's likely that most providers will switch off 2G (well) before then.

So whilst your plans to only need a 2G capable phone for your elderly relative are understandable they may not be the best way to go here.

You may be better looking at 'Easy to use' mobiles for seniors and those with disabilities.
For examples take a look here: https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk/category/communicating/telephones/mobile-phones

twopenny

" phones  marketed as for seniors / dementia friendly/ hard of hearing. "

I've seen some really good ones - probably Tescos as we have nowhere else that sells variety.

Large buttons are a delight to some elderly people as your sensitivity in fingers and movement not to mention eyesight, are a problem.

Flatter the buttons the better.

Coloured buttons rather than black on black.

All makes a difference to someone being able to use and gain confidence  than panicing and refusing to use it.