Recommendations for Sim Only deals after 3G switch off

Shelle

I am currently with Smarty and have been given 30 days notice to either buy a new phone or change mobile provider as my device (Google Pixel 3a XL) is not compatible with their network once 3G is switched off.  I dont want to buy a new phone yet as I had planned on doing this next year (reason being I will be upgrading my hearing aids and need to see what devices they will work with), so looking at sim deals.  Not so sure about some of the providers on this site - Talk Home, ID mobile and Lebara as reviews seem to be not so good or patchy.  Any thoughts on what I should be looking at?

muffinhead

Your Google Pixel 3a XL is a 4G device with VoLTE so it should still work after the 3G switch off, unless you happen to live a poor reception area where only 3G is available.

How does Three's coverage checker rate your area for 4G reception?

Also is your device software fully up to date? On some Pixels VoLTE was enabled in later software updates. See Three's website for more info on how to do this.

eDicky

3G will not be available from any network when the four major ones have all switched it off.

Shelle

Smarty have confirmed that, despite being on Three network, that my device will not work.  However, on the Three website they say my device will work on their network if direct with them.  I cant find any indication on my phone about VoLTE just 4G.

Shelle

eDicky said:

3G will not be available from any network when the four major ones have all switched it off.

I dont use 3G at all, but Smarty have technical issues that means that my device is not able to use smarty sim card even using 4G, but Three can.

400ixl

Pixel 3a XL stopped getting any security updates in May 2022 on Android 12.1, provided you have at least updated to that version. 

Smarty list it as not compatible with their 4G service https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible. Sometimes its just not certified but technically capable.

Try:

To make sure your device is compatible, follow the steps below:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone

2. Tap on ‘Network & Internet’

3. Tap on ‘Mobile Network’

4. If your device is compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’

Shelle

400ixl said:

Pixel 3a XL stopped getting any security updates in May 2022 on Android 12.1, provided you have at least updated to that version. 

Smarty list it as not compatible with their 4G service https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible. Sometimes its just not certified but technically capable.

Try:

To make sure your device is compatible, follow the steps below:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone

2. Tap on ‘Network & Internet’

3. Tap on ‘Mobile Network’

4. If your device is compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’

Its up to date in the sense that it has the last update from 2022.  It also shows 4G under preferred network type.  Does this mean that it should work under smarty despite being listed as no?  How can I confirm that without waiting until the day it happens?  Smarty and Three have been no help whatsoever.  I find it weird (probably because I dont understand) that Three says they can provide to my device but Smarty cant and yet use the same network?

muffinhead

Shelle said:

400ixl said:

Pixel 3a XL stopped getting any security updates in May 2022 on Android 12.1, provided you have at least updated to that version. 

Smarty list it as not compatible with their 4G service https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible. Sometimes its just not certified but technically capable.

Try:

To make sure your device is compatible, follow the steps below:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone

2. Tap on ‘Network & Internet’

3. Tap on ‘Mobile Network’

4. If your device is compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’

Its up to date in the sense that it has the last update from 2022.  It also shows 4G under preferred network type.  Does this mean that it should work under smarty despite being listed as no?  How can I confirm that without waiting until the day it happens?  Smarty and Three have been no help whatsoever.  I find it weird (probably because I dont understand) that Three says they can provide to my device but Smarty cant and yet use the same network?

Try these instructions and see if "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" is enabled:

https://videotron.tmtx.ca/en/topic/google_pixel3axl/using_voice_over_lte_volte.html

Shelle

muffinhead said:

Shelle said:

400ixl said:

Pixel 3a XL stopped getting any security updates in May 2022 on Android 12.1, provided you have at least updated to that version. 

Smarty list it as not compatible with their 4G service https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible. Sometimes its just not certified but technically capable.

Try:

To make sure your device is compatible, follow the steps below:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone

2. Tap on ‘Network & Internet’

3. Tap on ‘Mobile Network’

4. If your device is compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’

Its up to date in the sense that it has the last update from 2022.  It also shows 4G under preferred network type.  Does this mean that it should work under smarty despite being listed as no?  How can I confirm that without waiting until the day it happens?  Smarty and Three have been no help whatsoever.  I find it weird (probably because I dont understand) that Three says they can provide to my device but Smarty cant and yet use the same network?

Try these instructions and see if "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" is enabled:

https://videotron.tmtx.ca/en/topic/google_pixel3axl/using_voice_over_lte_volte.html

I dont have an advanced tab as shown in the link but I can see that I can choose 3G or 4G only and suspect that means that I cant select the Enhanced mode.  That probably means that I cant use Smarty if I interpret the information correctly.  Oh well, guess I need to find a new provider with a rolling contract to match what I had.  Did find a matching price but requires 24 month commitment which I dont want until I get a new phone next year in case I end up buying a contract phone (I usually buy outright if deal is right).  Thank you.

muffinhead

Shelle said:

muffinhead said:

Shelle said:

400ixl said:

Pixel 3a XL stopped getting any security updates in May 2022 on Android 12.1, provided you have at least updated to that version. 

Smarty list it as not compatible with their 4G service https://help.smarty.co.uk/en/articles/8985136-checking-if-your-device-is-4g-volte-compatible. Sometimes its just not certified but technically capable.

Try:

To make sure your device is compatible, follow the steps below:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android phone

2. Tap on ‘Network & Internet’

3. Tap on ‘Mobile Network’

4. If your device is compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G, you will see either ‘4G’ or ’5G’ as an option under ‘Preferred network type’ or ‘Network mode’

Its up to date in the sense that it has the last update from 2022.  It also shows 4G under preferred network type.  Does this mean that it should work under smarty despite being listed as no?  How can I confirm that without waiting until the day it happens?  Smarty and Three have been no help whatsoever.  I find it weird (probably because I dont understand) that Three says they can provide to my device but Smarty cant and yet use the same network?

Try these instructions and see if "Enhanced 4G LTE Mode" is enabled:

https://videotron.tmtx.ca/en/topic/google_pixel3axl/using_voice_over_lte_volte.html

I dont have an advanced tab as shown in the link but I can see that I can choose 3G or 4G only and suspect that means that I cant select the Enhanced mode.  That probably means that I cant use Smarty if I interpret the information correctly.  Oh well, guess I need to find a new provider with a rolling contract to match what I had.  Did find a matching price but requires 24 month commitment which I dont want until I get a new phone next year in case I end up buying a contract phone (I usually buy outright if deal is right).  Thank you.

What is your usage like in terms of minutes, texts and data and what is your budget?

From the providers you mention above; Lebara (Vodafone) has a fairly good reputation - I've used them in the past without issue, Talk Home (EE) hasn't the best reviews with some billing or bundle renewal issues being common and ID Mobile wouldn't be suitable as it uses the Three network.

PHK

I should point out that Vodafone and EE have already switched off their 3G so if the phone doesn’t have the VoLTE update then it won’t work on them or their MVNOs.