THE UK’s 3G network will begin to be switched off next month – and half of people are unaware of the changes, according to new research.

The service is still used by more than 30 million in the UK, but from February, operators will begin pulling the plug on the UK's 3G network, with Vodafone the first provider to do so.

Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, contacted the big four network operators over their plans are for winding down 3G.

Vodafone is looking to decommission all its UK 3G services by the end of the year, starting in February.

EE will phase out its network throughout the year, shutting completely in early 2024. Next year will also see Three’s 3G services shut down, while O2 is yet to confirm its plans.

Uswitch has advised that while the 3G switch off may affect those who don’t have 4G or 5G enabled phones, the majority of phone users should not be impacted by this change.

Ernest Doku of Uswitch.com, said: “Focusing investment on 4G and 5G networks is a sensible move to ensure all mobile users get access to faster and more reliable services, both now and in the future. However - it’s important to make sure no one gets left behind.”

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