we’ve said goodbye to 3g

Is your device 4G or 5G ready?

If you already have a 4G or 5G device, you don’t need to do anything and can continue to enjoy the UK's best network. Please follow the below steps to make sure you can stay connected now we have switched off 3G.

If you would like to speak to one of our advisors, please visit your local store or call 150 and our advisors will be able to support you through this process.

Find your nearest store

Steps you can take to check your device?

1. Text ‘Handset’ to 150 to see if your mobile phone already supports 4G or 5G and get advice on how to upgrade.

2. Check to ensure that the 4G network is turned on in your mobile phone settings.

3. Check that 4G Calling (also called LTE or VoLTE) is turned on in your mobile phone settings.

4. Turn ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ on in your mobile phone settings.

5. Visit the EE website or speak to a colleague in store to get expert advice on the 3G switch off and what it means.

If you need a new SIM or plan, we have attempted to contact you already – you can find out further information by visiting here.

Options for pay monthly customers

Upgrade with pay monthly.

If your phone isn't compatible with 4G Calling or WiFi Calling, and you're on a pay monthly plan, you could consider upgrading your device from our wide range of options.

View upgrade options

Options for pay as you go customers

Future proof your device with pay as you go, if you can’t use 4G Calling and WiFi Calling.

Check out our compatible devices online then pop into one of our shops to switch or call 150 where an EE advisor will be happy to help.

View Subscription Packs

How to get a new device

EE has a great range of compatible devices online. Visit our device page and explore your options.

You can order a new device online, pop into one of our stores or call 150 where an EE advisor will be more than happy to help.

View devices

If you're on an old 3G plan >

THE POWER OF 4G & 5G

EE’s network has been awarded the best for network performance 10 years in a row by RootMetrics. Switching to 4G or 5G means you will experience the UK's Most Reliable Network.

Whether you use 4G or 5G, you’ll enjoy the benefits of improved quality calls (meaning fewer calls dropping), and much better internet speeds. So, you’ll find it easier to stay in touch with friends and family and do everything you love online. With EE you’ll have a more reliable connection - even in the busiest places.

EMERGENCY ALERTS

Emergency Alerts is a new service launched by the government in 2023 which warns you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, your phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe. Phones and tablets connected to a 2G network will not receive emergency alerts so it's important to update your device to 4G or 5G to continue to receive these alerts.

To find out more visit: How emergency alerts work - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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What is 3G and what are the benefits of 4G and 5G?

3G (which stands for 3rd Generation) used to let you make and receive calls and texts and access basic data services to get online, until it was switched off during January and February 2024. 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.

Why was 3G switched off?

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 10 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 switched off our 3G network during January and February 2024.

Will 2G be switched off too?

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.

What do these changes mean for me?

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, etc.

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.

What if I have an Emergency Medical Alert (EMA) Button or Personal Alarm?

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

Is there a difference between pay monthly and pay as you go?

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.

How can I upgrade on a pay monthly contract?

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.

How can I switch as a pay as you go customer?

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

Will I be contacted if I'm affected?

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.

What if I need more help to understand or I can't log in?

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

What is 4G Calling?

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.

What is WiFi Calling and how do I use it?

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?

Do I have 4G or 5G coverage in my area?

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 ten years in a row and the UK’s Most Reliable Network.

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 H2 2023.

I need extra support, what's available for me?

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.

What else does EE offer?

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.

What is EE doing to be more sustainable?

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

What does the 3G switch off mean for customers?