Vodafone is the first major mobile network to start switching off its 3G services, meaning people with older handsets may soon lose access to the internet through their phones.
The telecoms giant, which has nearly 18m subscribers in the UK, said the national shutdown will be phased thoughout 2023, with all areas switched off by the end of the year. All mobile providers have to shut off their 2G and 3G services by 2033 at the latest, with 3G networks being shut first.
The Government has set a deadline for 3G to be turned off by 2025 and 2G by 2033 to free up capacity to expand 4G and 5G network coverage, according to Telecoms regulator Ofcom, which estimates around 5.5 million people will be affected by the shake-up.
