Vodafone are starting to drop their 3G network in the UK
Vodafone has announced they will be moving mobile data traffic from the older 3G 2100 MHz spectrum band that came out in 2001 to a combination of much more efficient and better-performing 4G spectrum bands in some of the major cities in the UK.
As a result, the majority of their customers will experience faster, more reliable data speeds if they are using a 4G compatible device. This will only apply if your device does indeed support 4G. If not, you will find this as a disadvantage!
What if you don't have 4G on your device? Not such a good thing, now!
As the handset will no longer have the 3G signal to fall back onto, the devices that do not have 4G support will be linking to the 2.5G (also known as EDGE or GPRS). This will only have an impact on your data surfing, as voice calls and text messaging services are unaffected by the change.
The network will be carrying out this modernisation programme as part of a phased roll-out to minimise the impact on their customers. They will start with Glasgow on 14 June 2017 and plan to upgrade the network in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham within the first 3 months. Subsequent cities will be confirmed in by the network in due course.
Here are the dates that the roll out will commence (dates are all week commencing):
- Glasgow - 12 June 2017
- Manchester - 19 June 2017
- Bristol - 26 June 2017
- Liverpool – 03July 2017
- Cardiff – to be confirmed
- London - 24 July 2017
- Birmingham - 17 July 2017
Device list
For the users concerned on whether this will have an impact on their device, please view the table below;
In conclusion, this is just another step in the progress and evolution of the mobile networks. With 5G just around the corner and UK networks already testing the pathway for the new generation of services, it does mean that users with legacy handsets will be left behind.
However, with the ongoing development of Android and Apple OS, handsets are already being left behind with discontinued support and services. This makes you having a non 4G handset that is still being supported by the manufacturer very unlikely and so little chance of receiving a negative impact.
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