Brits in rural parts of the UK risk being cut off from mobile phone networks in a new move to switch off 3G signal in preparation for the rollout of 5G. Mobile networks have begun shutting down their 3G services – which they say are outdated – as rural organisations warn of the impact on those living in the countryside.
According to data from Ofcom, seven percent of the UK has no access to the modern 4G and 5G networks taking over 3G. While 3G is much slower than its counterparts, it’s all that’s available in some parts of the region.
Groups are concerned that it will leave those living in the countryside isolated and leave farmers vulnerable – with no way to access location services in an accident.
Campaigners are asking networks to wait until 4G has been rolled out across all parts of the UK, despite first being introduced in 2009.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Rachel Hallos, the NFU vice president, said: “It’s important action is taken to avoid a situation where rural businesses are cut off from 3G without reliable 4G coverage being in place.
“In many parts of the countryside, unreliable mobile signal is preventing farmers from running efficient and productive farming businesses. It can also leave farmers with no way of communicating in a time of crisis.”
Further data shows that access to data services will decline by 11 percent as 3G is eliminated. The worst affected area is Copeland, in Cumbria, followed by Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Montgomeryshire.
An extra two percent of the UK could also be affected, with weather and trees causing a lack of connectivity for some households.
Vodaphone and EE are the first networks to have turned off their 3G services, with Three starting this month and O2 following suit in 2025. The four main providers also share 3G services with the smaller networks, including GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile.
The government had set an initial deadline of 2023 for the turn off, but this has been extended by networks. George Eustice, the former rural affairs secretary, said Ofcom should “consider requiring providers to maintain 3G in some rural areas until 4G becomes available”.
“Everyone agrees that moving to 4G and 5G would be better for consumers but we cannot ignore the fact that 4G is just not available in some rural areas,” he said.
