After 17 years, Vodafone calls time on the 3G network.
Vodafone has announced that it will retire its 3G legacy network in 2023 in a bid to improve its existing 4G and 5G networks across the UK.
The announcement comes 17 years after the original 3G network was installed, providing almost 500 billion minutes of calls. However, what was once a central part of Vodafone’s telecommunications network has been sidelined with the introduction of 4G and 5G. Just 4% of today’s data uses the 3G network.
Vodafone’s UK CEO, Ahmed Essam, said, “We’re building the UK’s most reliable mobile network, and focussing on the technologies that best connect our customers and have the least impact on the environment. 3G has connected so many customers over the last 17 years, but the future is 4G and 5G”, he went on, “We’re going to be focused on giving customers a faster and more reliable mobile experience and minimising our impact on the environment by taking away a layer of our network that uses inefficient equipment.”
Vodafone’s decision to switch off its 3G network follows similar action already taken by Vodafone in Germany and Italy. Moving away from 3G appears to be a question of efficiency and sustainability. The retirement of Vodafone’s 3G network also plays an important role in the company’s goal to reach NetZero by 2027. Vodafone’s 5G network is 10 times as energy efficient as its 3G network, meaning its retirement will make a substantial contribution to its sustainability goals.
However, whilst Vodafone has declared that “The future is 4G and 5G”, concerns have been raised that the end of 3G could leave many older people facing no choice other than to upgrade their mobiles or be left behind. Helen Milner, Chief Executive of the Good Things Foundation, noted, “With the move away from 3G, people risk being disconnected, locked out and left behind.”
Furthermore, many areas of the UK, including parts of South West England and rural Scotland, only have 3G coverage. About 2.2% of the UK is covered by the 3G network alone. In total, Vodafone estimates that as many as 2 million people are still dependent upon 3G handsets.
Vodafone’s announcement follows BT’s announcement last summer that they plan to phase out 3G in the next two years. BT hope that by 2028, EE’s network will cover more than 90% of the UK.
For the latest updates and insights, be sure to follow the Reduce My Costs Blog.
