Vodafone and EE are the first two networks to close their 3G services, with Vodafone expecting to switch their 3G network off completely by December 2023 and EE following suit in early 2024.

This follows a government agreement with the four major networks – Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three – to sunset their 2G and 3G services by 2033. However, each provider is free to choose when they end those services before that date, meaning that businesses could find themselves without vital connectivity services if they haven’t already upgraded their devices.

“The 3G network sunset is likely to affect businesses that rely heavily on IoT technology most,” said Darren Thompson, Head of Sales at Bamboo Technology Group. “This includes transport businesses, who may use SIM cards as part of their logging devices, retailers using point-of-sale payment terminals, and companies that have security systems that aren’t connected to WiFi amongst many others.”

3G networks affect voice and video streaming, while also allowing devices to connect to the internet when Wi-Fi is unavailable. They are surpassed by faster 4G and 5G networks, but can still provide connectivity to a range of different devices such as tablets, which may utilise SIM cards, alarm systems, and older mobile phones that may still be used by employees where greater functionality isn’t required.

By sunsetting the 2G and 3G networks, the government intends to free up spectrum for 5G technologies and beyond, improve efficiency, and ensure security and resilience across the UK’s mobile networks.

However, some countries have already begun the switch-off, including the USA, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Therefore, if travel is necessary within a company, roaming could also be affected by the 3G shutdown, with staff unable to make calls or access data unless they are connected to WiFi.

“The move to faster, more efficient networks is a positive one, but could leave businesses struggling to maintain vital functions if they haven’t started planning ahead,” continued Darren.

“However, it doesn’t need to be overtly costly to upgrade to 4G compatible devices. Our team can help businesses to put a plan in place, and make sure the rest of their connectivity needs are met in a way that suits their future growth,” Darren concluded.