Our 3G network has now been phased out across most of the UK.

The majority of our 3G network was switched off in September 2024. There are still a limited number of 3G sites operational and these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.

You can check which coverage is available in your area by clicking here.

In December 2021, the UK government announced that 2G and 3G will be phased out by 2033.

Aside from the government guidance to sunset 2G and 3G spectrum by 2033, 4G and 5G are newer, faster, and more efficient technologies, so switching off 3G allows us to focus our investments and spectrum resources which will benefit our customers.

If 3G has been is switched off in your area, you will need a compatible device to make calls, texts and use data.

If we thought you didn’t have a compatible device, we would have contacted you in advance before the 3G switch-off happened in your area to give you plenty of time to find a replacement.

There are still a limited number of 3G sites operational and these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.

Let's break it down 👇

Vo = Voice

LTE = Technical term for 4G

Put together they form VoLTE which means voice calls over 4G. If a device isn't VoLTE compatible, it'll drop to 3G to carry the call.

VoLTE provides a better quality of voice call.

You’ll need a VoLTE-compatible device to enable you to make calls, texts and use data over the 4G network.

Some devices are 4G, but do not have VoLTE capability, meaning you'll need to upgrade to a VoLTE-compatible device to connect to the 4G VoLTE spectrum when 3G is turned off in your area.

This sounds very techy! So in short, your device will no longer have the connection that is required to continue using the network and you’ll benefit from a better connection on a 4G VoLTE compatible device.

If your current device is listed here and/or not 4G VoLTE-compatible, you’ll need to upgrade to one that has the ability to use our network.

If we thought you didn’t have a compatible device before September 2024, we would have contacted you in advance before the 3G switch-off happened in your area to give you plenty of time to find a replacement.

There are still a limited number of 3G sites operational and these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.

We understand that purchasing a new device isn't always an option.

If you received communication that your area would be impacted and chose not to upgrade, you might still be able to use your handset in limited 3G areas, these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.

If you're looking to upgrade, there are many ways to do this sustainably. For example, SMARTY is partnered with Reboxed®, where you can benefit from exclusive SMARTY customer discounts on a refurbished phone.

Our friends at Three also offer device and airtime bundles and are giving SMARTY customers up to 20% off selected 24-month Airtime plans when you sign up to pay for your new phone with Three over 12, 24 or 36 months at 0% APR. Shop here.

You can also buy low-cost, SIM-free compatible devices at most online and high-street tech retailers, just remember, it needs to be unlocked, a minimum of 4G-VoLTE compatible and not listed here.

We won’t support any device that only relies on 3G for data, calls or texts entirely after 2024.

There are still a limited number of 3G sites operational and these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.

On 8 December 2021, the Government announced that all public 2G and 3G networks will be switched off by 2033 at the latest. However, it encouraged operators to switch off their networks, particularly 3G networks, earlier than this date.

We understand how important your device is for your needs. If your current device isn’t compatible, we’ll be happy to discuss devices that could suit your needs.

Our dedicated Accessibility Team are on hand to help with any specific queries you might have.

Our SIMs are sent as a trio, so you can pop out the size you need. Most new devices take Nano SIMs. See here for more info on SIM sizing.

If you have a 3G data-only Mobile Broadband device, it will no longer be fully supported after 2024, we recommend upgrading your device.

There are still a limited number of 3G sites operational and these will be turned off in 2025. You should not rely on the 3G network being available on SMARTY.