Millions of UK phones and burglar alarms to stop working next year as 3G switched off
dailystar.co.uk5G, mobile networks have been given a deadline of 2033 to switch off 3G and 2G. However, some mobile companies have already started, with BT and EE planning to phase out 3G by 2023.
That means millions of older devices which don't have 4G could stop working unless you switch to a different phone network..BT wants people to use 5G, saying that its network will soon cover 50% of the UK population by early next year.With an estimated 2 to 3 million people still on 3G handsets on BT and EE's networks, the consequences could be huge for those who can't afford to upgrade or prefer using their old devices.Phasing out 3G and 2G will free up lots of radio waves that can be used by faster 5G tech.
However, the shift could lead to devices such as burglar alarms, car alarms, and prisoner ankle bracelets to stop working unless you switch the network you're on.Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the change will help the UK transition to faster networks more quickly.
She said: "5G technology is already revolutionising people's lives and businesses - connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive." The '3G sunset' is taking place in a number of countries as mobile networks install major connectivity upgrades.In the US, major networks like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all due to shut off 3G signal this year.This will giving people even less time to change their old devices than in the UK.There is an estimated 80 million 3G devices in the US, including many 'Internet of Things' smart home tools which might not work at all anymore.
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