Latest news with #3GShutdown
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Exact date millions of phones will stop working as UK's biggest network provider turns off 3G access in huge shake-up
THE EXACT date that millions of phones will stop working as the UK's biggest network provider set to turn off their 3G access in a huge shake-up. Some customers might be left with no data at all to access the internet or message friends on WhatsApp when they're away from home. The network provider details All of the UK's biggest mobile networks have been slowly turning off access to 3G and that means devices that can't connect to newer 4G and 5G signals could lose access to data and all-important services. O2 alerted its 23 million customers of the changes earlier this year. But now three more locations set to wave goodbye to the old network in just a few days. O2 is the last of the big networks to make the change, as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021. After more than 20 years, the company is stripping out 3G to make way for more faster 4G and 5G services. The shake-up will also impact Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile, which rely on O2's network technology. When it will happen 3 For most people, the demise of 3G shouldn't be a problem but for a small number of users it will result in a data blackout. Because some older handsets aren't able to handle 4G or 5G. They'll still be able to make calls and send texts, but without 3G they won't be able to get online when out and about. However, they can technically still go online when using Wi-Fi. O2's 3G Shutdown: Is Your Phone Ready? The next areas where O2's 3G will be switched off on July 16 are: Norwich Telford Guildford It's already ended in the city of Durham. Torquay will follow on August 4 and the whole of the UK should then lose access by the end of the year. How to save on your mobile phone bill NOT happy with your current mobile phone deal? If you're outside the minimum term of your contract then you won't need to pay a cancellation fee - and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere. But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying. Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you're using, to find out which deal is best for you. For example, if you're a heavy internet user it's worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don't end up spending extra on bundles or add-ons each month. Also note that if you're still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee. Ready to look elsewhere? Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don't regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do. It's worth using comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and to compare tariffs and phone prices. Billmonitor also matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills. It only works if you're a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you'll need to log in with your online account details. There's also MobilePhoneChecker, which has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage. If you're happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal. Customer support 3 The closure is part of O2's longer-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers. Vodafone, Three and EE have already completed their 3G switch-off with customers no longer able to access this slower signal. Virgin Media O2 said: '3G services in those areas will be switched off in the coming weeks, and those who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device must upgrade to a compatible handset in order to retain access to mobile data services. "While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it," said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, said steps.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Homes gates, security systems affected by 3G shutdown
The 3G mobile network is being turned off at the end of the year. Photo: Alexander Yakimov Nickolaevich/ 123rf Christchurch woman Elly was shocked to be told that, if she wants her automatic gate to keep working as it is now, she'll have to spend almost $1000 to get it upgraded. The gate runs on the 3G mobile network that is being turned off at the end of the year. She said she wouldn't be too annoyed, except that she only bought the gate in January last year, well after the shutdown of the network was signalled. "We saved for ages for the gate, you'd expect something like that to last." When she posted on social media about the issue, she was contacted by other people facing similar problems. Aero New Zealand, which provides gate access automation, said Centurion G-Ultra and G-Speak Ultra devices would not have any GSM functionality after the end of this year. General manager Anton Neveling said initially there had been hundreds that needed to be updated but there were now only a handful remaining. He said the detail of the upgrade procedure would vary according to the installer doing the work. "Since early 2024, we've actively promoted 4G upgrade campaigns to our installer network and have only sold 4G-capable devices for the last two years. The majority of our install base have upgraded since the notices started going out . The telcos' 2G/3G shutdown was initially planned for end of 2024 so who knows even if they will keep to the end of year new deadline, however most of our clients already upgraded in the past 12 months, and the remaining ones will upgrade if they want to in the next six month as some just simply use their remote to open the gates. "In our product space, the 3G shutdown does not affect the gate, remote control, or keypad operation, only app-based functions such as push notifications, SMS alerts, or opening via a mobile app." His business had stopped selling the 3G gates in 2023 with the expectation that the shutdown would happen. But it was possible that Elly's had remained in a warehouse until it was installed. "Something I believe is a more pressing concern across other industries - luckily not us - is the impact on the security alarm sector, where many systems still rely heavily on 2G and 3G networks for connectivity. Numerous alarm providers are facing significant upgrade programs, as these systems often stop working entirely when the network is retired." Nick Gelling, product test writer at Consumer NZ, said the shutdown of the 3G network was announced in 2022 and businesses selling products relying on it should have known it was coming. "If you purchased something in the last few years that will stop working after 3G is shut down, you can ask the retailer to put it right under the Consumer Guarantees Act as the goods are not fit for purpose or of acceptable quality. The retailer has to provide a repair, replacement or refund. The only exception to this would be if the retailer clearly warned you the product would stop working when 3G is shut down at the end of this year. "If you don't have any luck with the retailer, you can lodge a claim at the Disputes Tribunal." Paul Brislen, chief executive of the Telecommunications Forum, said there were a huge array of devices that communicated with the outside world and people needed to determine whether they used 3G and needed upgrading or not. "Devices I've come across so far include some agri-tech equipment, lifts, solar arrays, health monitor alarms, fleet tracking systems and quite a lot else besides. This is the first I've heard of gates, though. "The telco sector started talking to equipment makers about this sort of dependency several years ago and has been working with a number of technology providers to make sure they're supporting customers. For some it's as simple as swapping out the communications module or upgrading the device, but for others the modules are embedded in the product and customers will need a new model to continue operating." He said his organisation had written to retailers reminding them to double-check to make sure products they were selling would continue to function after the shut-off. The Commerce Commission said it had received nine inquiries relating to products' workability after the 3G shutdown. "Under the Fair Trading Act, traders should not mislead consumers about the products and services that they sell. Traders should inform consumers of any upcoming changes when selling devices that may no longer work once the changes to 3G are implemented. "If consumers are not informed of these changes at time of purchase, this could raise concerns under the Fair Trading Act. Consumers also have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)."
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Gates, security systems affected by 3G shutdown
The 3G mobile network is being turned off at the end of the year. Photo: Alexander Yakimov Nickolaevich/ 123rf Christchurch woman Elly was shocked to be told that, if she wants her automatic gate to keep working as it is now, she'll have to spend almost $1000 to get it upgraded. The gate runs on the 3G mobile network that is being turned off at the end of the year. She said she wouldn't be too annoyed, except that she only bought the gate in January last year, well after the shutdown of the network was signalled. "We saved for ages for the gate, you'd expect something like that to last." When she posted on social media about the issue, she was contacted by other people facing similar problems. Aero New Zealand, which provides gate access automation, said Centurion G-Ultra and G-Speak Ultra devices would not have any GSM functionality after the end of this year. General manager Anton Neveling said initially there had been hundreds that needed to be updated but there were now only a handful remaining. He said the detail of the upgrade procedure would vary according to the installer doing the work. "Since early 2024, we've actively promoted 4G upgrade campaigns to our installer network and have only sold 4G-capable devices for the last two years. The majority of our install base have upgraded since the notices started going out . The telcos' 2G/3G shutdown was initially planned for end of 2024 so who knows even if they will keep to the end of year new deadline, however most of our clients already upgraded in the past 12 months, and the remaining ones will upgrade if they want to in the next six month as some just simply use their remote to open the gates. "In our product space, the 3G shutdown does not affect the gate, remote control, or keypad operation, only app-based functions such as push notifications, SMS alerts, or opening via a mobile app." His business had stopped selling the 3G gates in 2023 with the expectation that the shutdown would happen. But it was possible that Elly's had remained in a warehouse until it was installed. "Something I believe is a more pressing concern across other industries - luckily not us - is the impact on the security alarm sector, where many systems still rely heavily on 2G and 3G networks for connectivity. Numerous alarm providers are facing significant upgrade programs, as these systems often stop working entirely when the network is retired." Nick Gelling, product test writer at Consumer NZ, said the shutdown of the 3G network was announced in 2022 and businesses selling products relying on it should have known it was coming. "If you purchased something in the last few years that will stop working after 3G is shut down, you can ask the retailer to put it right under the Consumer Guarantees Act as the goods are not fit for purpose or of acceptable quality. The retailer has to provide a repair, replacement or refund. The only exception to this would be if the retailer clearly warned you the product would stop working when 3G is shut down at the end of this year. "If you don't have any luck with the retailer, you can lodge a claim at the Disputes Tribunal." Paul Brislen, chief executive of the Telecommunications Forum, said there were a huge array of devices that communicated with the outside world and people needed to determine whether they used 3G and needed upgrading or not. "Devices I've come across so far include some agri-tech equipment, lifts, solar arrays, health monitor alarms, fleet tracking systems and quite a lot else besides. This is the first I've heard of gates, though. "The telco sector started talking to equipment makers about this sort of dependency several years ago and has been working with a number of technology providers to make sure they're supporting customers. For some it's as simple as swapping out the communications module or upgrading the device, but for others the modules are embedded in the product and customers will need a new model to continue operating." He said his organisation had written to retailers reminding them to double-check to make sure products they were selling would continue to function after the shut-off. The Commerce Commission said it had received nine inquiries relating to products' workability after the 3G shutdown. "Under the Fair Trading Act, traders should not mislead consumers about the products and services that they sell. Traders should inform consumers of any upcoming changes when selling devices that may no longer work once the changes to 3G are implemented. "If consumers are not informed of these changes at time of purchase, this could raise concerns under the Fair Trading Act. Consumers also have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)."
