Turning off 3G

[Col33]

My 2 year contract is due to end in February and I am reviewing my options on renewing. The biggest issue I have at the moment is the switching off of 3G by the end of the year.

Currently I have my router set to 3G only and get 30mb download and 3mb upload. If I switch my router to 4G only the download drops to 9mb and upload to 1mb.

I'm reluctant to agree to a new contract if the plans are to switch of 3G but not boost/increase the 4G in my area. According to the network coverage checker I have:- 

Yes - Very good service
Great news – 4G is in your area. If your device is 4G calling compatible, you’ll have very good 4G coverage for calls, texts, and mobile internet. 

However this is not the case as my router proves. Can anyone provide me with confidence that 4G will be improved prior to the switch off?

Thanks.

[sc1999]

shyster

/ˈʃʌɪstə/

noun

INFORMAL

plural noun: shysters

1. a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous, fraudulent, or deceptive methods in business.

   "an ambulance-chasing shyster"

[Spud]

If you don't want to commit to a long contract you could go for an iD Mobile SIM one month contract (£18 unlimited or £16 300GB). They use the Three network. My daughter now has my MF286D 4G router. To test it at her house I popped in my PAYG* iD Mobile SIM and loaded a £20 30-day unlimited bundle. All was fine. After the 30 days she is now on a 12-month unlimited Three SIM via Moneysavingexpert - £11.57/month after automatic cashback.

* if you don't buy another iD Mobile contract it reverts to PAYG 3p/min, 2p/text, 1p/MB using up whatever credit you add, but you can buy bundles as and when you need them.

[Col33]

Thanks, not a bad idea, I think 1 year deal may be the best option.

[Col33]

I must have upset someone. My internet connection has been patchy for the last two days with constant "no internet" and severe buffering. The only fix so far is to switch my router from 3G only to 4G preferred which has improved the situation at the cost of a speed drop from 30mb to 10mb.

According to Three's map, my 3G cut-off is not happening yet so not sure why 3G has suddenly got worse over the past couple of days! 

[robertm1988]

I don't think the map actually says if 3G is being switched off in an area.

[lukefowler2023]

3G areas should have 4G coverage added when the 3G is removed

[Col33]

According to their coverage site, 4G is in my area but my router and speed checks prove its worse than 3G. If they use the coverage as a guide and don't improve 4G before switching off 3G then I will get a worse service.

[lukefowler2023]

when 3G is turned off that capacity will be converted into extra 4G capacity

[sc1999]

And 5g, according to 3.

[Col33]

Fingers crossed that is correct for 4G, I doubt we will see 5G in rural areas for many years if at all.