Thousands of smartphones to stop working properly after huge EE network change
If you're the owner of an aging smartphone on the EE network, bad news: you're going to lose your mobile Internet access soon.
The UK EE has announced it is shutting down its 3G network for good from next year, which means older handsets reliant on 3G will no longer be able to connect online.
Older Samsung, Nokia and iPhone models are affected, although they'll still be able to connect to Wi-Fi and get online that way.
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Newer phones use 4G or even 5G, so many people aren't reliant on 3G anymore. However, certain older devices still are.
The 3G smartphones used by EE's customers on pay monthly contracts include:
- Apple iPhone 4
- Apple iPhone 4S
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- Doro 6520, 6521 and 6620
- Nokia 301
- Nokia C2-01
- TCL Pixi 4
However, there are other devices which are 3G-only that EE customers might still be using on a pay-as-you-go contract.
Many of these smartphones aren't even made or sold anymore by their manufacturers, and in the case of the iPhone devices, no longer receive vital system software updates or security patches.
So if you're clinging onto your old tech it's probably a good idea to trade in your old device for a new one anyway.
Customers of other networks including Three and Vodafone will also be affected as the 3G network is shut down next year.
Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, said: "Our 3G network will be switched off in early 2024.
"While this won’t affect the vast majority of our customers, we will offer support for those who are still using old, incompatible devices."
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