New guide: The 3G mobile network switch off – what you need to know

MSE_Chris

Hi all,

We have new 3G mobile network switch off guide, and we'd love to hear your feedback.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Thanks for your help,

MSE Chris

PHK

Just to point out that lots of people are finding call problems in areas where Vodafone has poor 4G because the 2G can't  cope. Or those providers like Lebara thar have poor Volte support. 

WiseDad

It seems to be a bit more complicated than just 'does the phone support 4G?'.  We have a Samsung Galaxy S7 (which the MSE checker says will work after 3G switch off) and under Network Mode it supports 2G/3G/4G.  However, Smarty (on the 3 network) says it will NOT work.  They say that although the phone has 4G VoLTE 'capability', this is not available (for some complex technical reason that I haven't grasped - possibly whether the software installed by the original provider of the phone did not provide this option).  I have checked settings and there is no option to turn on VoLTE.  Does this make sense to anyone? Can't decide whether to just wait and see whether it works after switch off or buy another phone.

eDicky

WiseDad said:

It seems to be a bit more complicated than just 'does the phone support 4G?'.  We have a Samsung Galaxy S7 (which the MSE checker says will work after 3G switch off) and under Network Mode it supports 2G/3G/4G.  However, Smarty (on the 3 network) says it will NOT work.  They say that although the phone has 4G VoLTE 'capability', this is not available (for some complex technical reason that I haven't grasped - possibly whether the software installed by the original provider of the phone did not provide this option).  I have checked settings and there is no option to turn on VoLTE.  Does this make sense to anyone? Can't decide whether to just wait and see whether it works after switch off or buy another phone.

4G data will be available, but without 2G, 3G or VoLTE, voice calls will not.

MSE_Chris

WiseDad said:

It seems to be a bit more complicated than just 'does the phone support 4G?'.  We have a Samsung Galaxy S7 (which the MSE checker says will work after 3G switch off) and under Network Mode it supports 2G/3G/4G.  However, Smarty (on the 3 network) says it will NOT work.  They say that although the phone has 4G VoLTE 'capability', this is not available (for some complex technical reason that I haven't grasped - possibly whether the software installed by the original provider of the phone did not provide this option).  I have checked settings and there is no option to turn on VoLTE.  Does this make sense to anyone? Can't decide whether to just wait and see whether it works after switch off or buy another phone.

Hi WiseDad,

I was just taking a look at this and found this page on Smarty's site: https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible

It lists a bunch of phones that won't work with its network after the 3G switch off, something we weren't aware of, until now. I'm not too sure what the technical reason is behind this, but unfortunately, it does appear the S7 is on the list, which is disappointing.

flaneurs_lobster

This thread from the Smarty community forum is relevant (there may be others)

https://community.smarty.co.uk/t5/chats-hacks/3g-switch-off-volte-supported-on-all-other-networks-but-3/m-p/11632

Takeaway is that your S7 may well work with VoLTE on another network, including 3. Get a free SIM from another provider (or borrow one from a pal) to try it out.

OTOH it's an 8 y/o phone that's no longer getting security updates, you might want to consider that new phone.

Bricks

At the weekend I discovered that I could no longer make or receive phone calls on Three UK on my Sony Xperia 1ii.

After a bit of research I realised this was because of the 3g shutdown. I was aware this was going to happen, but because I have a 5g phone, assumed that I'd be fine.

It turns out that's not the case, because of the need for VOLTE or "4g calling" compatibility. My phone - apparently - doesn't have it. So, once 3 turned off 3g in my area, I became unable to make or receive any calls.

My options: buy a new phone (to replace one that is only about 4 years old and wasn't cheap) or change network.

For now, I've ported to O2 because they aren't switching off 3g until next year. And in the meantime I'll have to work out whether I really do need to get a new phone.

I'm still not 100% clear whether VOLTE just can't work on my phone, or whether it depends on the network.

In any case, I don't think this issue has been sufficiently highlighted in the lead-up to the shutdown. In my local Three shop this afternoon, they told me I wasn't the only person who'd come in wondering why their phone has stopped working overnight.

eDicky

Bricks said:

I'm still not 100% clear whether VOLTE just can't work on my phone, or whether it depends on the network.

Have you looked in the phone settings to see if VoLTE can be enabled?

settings -> network & internet -> sim cards ->

PHK

Bricks said:

At the weekend I discovered that I could no longer make or receive phone calls on Three UK on my Sony Xperia 1ii.

After a bit of research I realised this was because of the 3g shutdown. I was aware this was going to happen, but because I have a 5g phone, assumed that I'd be fine.

It turns out that's not the case, because of the need for VOLTE or "4g calling" compatibility. My phone - apparently - doesn't have it. So, once 3 turned off 3g in my area, I became unable to make or receive any calls.

My options: buy a new phone (to replace one that is only about 4 years old and wasn't cheap) or change network.

For now, I've ported to O2 because they aren't switching off 3g until next year. And in the meantime I'll have to work out whether I really do need to get a new phone.

I'm still not 100% clear whether VOLTE just can't work on my phone, or whether it depends on the network.

In any case, I don't think this issue has been sufficiently highlighted in the lead-up to the shutdown. In my local Three shop this afternoon, they told me I wasn't the only person who'd come in wondering why their phone has stopped working overnight.

What phone have you got. 
Also O2 will complete switch off next year, it's already begun in some areas. 

jimjames

PHK said:

Just to point out that lots of people are finding call problems in areas where Vodafone has poor 4G because the 2G can't  cope. Or those providers like Lebara thar have poor Volte support. 

I found exactly this. On a train journey where I would normally have full signal the whole way I found I was on Edge E 2G service for at least 50% of the time which made data apps unusable. Did a bit of research on Vodafone forum and have changed to phone setting that was to "Allow 2G", apparently setting that to Off will force network to hold 4G for longer. I'm with Lebara and doing the same journey later in the week so will see how the signal varies then.

MSE_Chris

Bricks said:

At the weekend I discovered that I could no longer make or receive phone calls on Three UK on my Sony Xperia 1ii.

After a bit of research I realised this was because of the 3g shutdown. I was aware this was going to happen, but because I have a 5g phone, assumed that I'd be fine.

It turns out that's not the case, because of the need for VOLTE or "4g calling" compatibility. My phone - apparently - doesn't have it. So, once 3 turned off 3g in my area, I became unable to make or receive any calls.

My options: buy a new phone (to replace one that is only about 4 years old and wasn't cheap) or change network.

For now, I've ported to O2 because they aren't switching off 3g until next year. And in the meantime I'll have to work out whether I really do need to get a new phone.

I'm still not 100% clear whether VOLTE just can't work on my phone, or whether it depends on the network.

In any case, I don't think this issue has been sufficiently highlighted in the lead-up to the shutdown. In my local Three shop this afternoon, they told me I wasn't the only person who'd come in wondering why their phone has stopped working overnight.

Hi Bricks,

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I've spoken to Three about this and they believe your Sony model should be compatible with VOLTE providing it was connected directly to the Three network and not a different network that uses Three (for eg, Smarty). Are you able to confirm this?

There are some models (including yours) that aren't VOLTE capable on Smarty's network.

Three was keen to investigate further and for it to do so, asked for your mobile number. I've DM'd you for this should you wish to share privately. 

Many thanks,
MSE Chris