we’re saying goodbye to 3g in 2024

3G (which stands for 3rd Generation) lets you make and receive calls and texts, and access basic data services to get online. 4G and 5G are faster and more reliable technologies than 3G, giving you a much better mobile experience.

Find out more about 5G >

5G is available to pay monthly customers only. Check coverage at ee.co.uk/coverage before buying. Speeds vary by location, coverage and demand. Compatible device needed.

3G was launched in 2003, and since then technology and innovation in mobile communications has continued to evolve. EE is consistently growing and improving, and we’ve been awarded the UK’s Best Network for 9.5 consecutive years. With the closure of the 3G network we can focus on providing the best service for our customers, so you’ll enjoy faster and more reliable connections on the UK’s Best Network. 3G networks are being shut down across the world – meaning that if your device doesn’t support 4G or 5G, then you won’t be able to use data roaming while abroad either. We’ll be switching off our 3G network from January 2024. There’s still plenty of time to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G ready one to experience the UK’s Best Network. 

Warrington is a large urban town situated between two major UK cities and has extensive 2G, 4G and 5G coverage on the EE mobile network, with less than 5% of customers using any 3G data. By starting our switch off plans here, we supported Warrington customers first on their journey to switching to our 4G and 5G networks and maximise our learnings through this process enabling a smooth nationwide switch off of our 3G network in January 2024.

Although 2G remains for now, we do plan to switch it off later in the decade. In fact, all UK networks are looking to close both 2G and 3G over the next decade. While 2G remains, you’ll still be able to place calls and send texts over the 2G network if your device doesn’t let you use the 4G/5G network, but not data.            

If you’re on an EE plan that already gives you access to our 4G and 5G networks, and your device supports 4G Calling, then this change won’t impact you and there’s nothing for you to do.

If you’re still on a legacy 3G plan (Orange or T-Mobile), or your current device doesn’t support 4G Calling, then your calls and texts will still work on the 2G network. However, you won’t have access to mobile data, meaning you can’t WhatsApp people, update your Instagram or Facebook status, or make or receive video calls from family and friends.

To make sure you have the best possible connection on the UK’s best network, we can help you find the right solution. Visit your local EE store or call 150 to speak to a friendly advisor who'll be able to help.

If you use an Emergency Medical Alert (EMA) button or similar personal alarm, you need to contact your provider to understand whether it will be impacted by the 3G Switch off.

Pay monthly refers to a mobile plan purchased on a contract over a set duration. Pay monthly phone plans usually come with other benefits over and above minutes, texts, and data. 

Pay as you go enables you to pre-pay for minutes, texts and data 'packs' when required for your mobile device.

Pay monthly customers can log into the EE app to view personalised offers on our range of 4G and 5G devices, or access EE online to see what we have available.

You can also visit your local EE store or call 150 to speak to a friendly advisor who'll be able to help.

Pay as you go customers will receive a text with a link to their personalised offers.

You can also visit your local EE store or call 150 to speak to a friendly advisor who'll be able to help. 

Yes, we have contacted everyone affected to explain these changes to you. We gave our high data users and most vulnerable customers 90 days’ notice back in September 2023 and everyone else 30 days’ notice in December 2023. Our customer service team is always ready to answer any questions you may have. Take your current device into your local EE store or call 150 to speak to a friendly advisor who'll be able to help. 

Take your current device into your local store or call 150 to speak to a friendly advisor who'll be able to help.

With 4G Calling, when you make or receive a call with an eligible device, your phone will stay on 4G. With 4G Calling you’ll benefit from wider coverage, our 4G network now covers over 85% of the UK - the leading coverage levels of any network - so you’re able to make calls and use data in more places than you could before. Calls over our 4G network are crystal clear between compatible phones.

WiFi Calling lets you make and receive calls and texts using WiFi, even if there isn't mobile network coverage. To find out more, visit How do I use WiFi Calling?

Our 4G network is the most extensive data network in the UK and we’re improving our coverage all the time. In fact, we’ve been awarded the UK’s Best Network for nine years in a row and the UK’s Most Reliable Network. We’ve also been named the UK’s Unbeatable 5G Network with more 5G in major cities than any other UK provider.

Take a look at our coverage checker to see the most up-to-date information on EE’s 4G and 5G coverage in your area.

Awards are based on the RootMetrics® UK RootScore® Report: From H2 2013 to H1 2022 and analysis from the RootMetrics® UK 5G Summary Report, H1 2022.

We have a dedicated area where you can find out all about the additional help we’re able to offer you. You can also register any disability details with us, and benefit from priority fault repairs, free directory enquiries, British Sign Language communication and more. 

You can count on EE to provide you with value for money. We offer a range of services from an extended warranty to stay connected data. To understand the full range of benefits EE provides visit the Why EE page. 

Today our whole business is powered using 100% renewable electricity, from our mobile and broadband networks to our 575+ stores on the high street.

WiFi Calling lets you make and receive calls and texts using WiFi, even if there isn't mobile network coverage. To find out more, visit How do I use WiFi Calling?