5G Coverage post 3G switch off

[robertm1988]

I have just checked the coverage map and I am shocked that 3G is still widely available, while 5G is non existent in most areas including Wales and small English towns. I thought during 2024 they were going to vastly improve 5G Coverage.

Maybe someone could advise me as to what percentage the 5G Coverage was at exactly 12 months ago compared to now. Also what is the plan with the rest of the 3G masts to be switched off. 

Thank you. 

[PeteG]

Hi, Robert. 

3G availability isn't that widespread anymore since the 3G network was largely switched off. Areas of the network where turning off 3G would have created a negative impact were left online for now.

5G coverage is rolling out as quickly as possible, but it is a process that takes many years, and it'll still be several years before 5G has the same coverage percentage as 4G. The other major networks are going through the same process at the moment. 

I don't have specifics for the coverage percentage 12 months ago or currently, but it was above 62% as of Q3 2024. It'll likely be above that now. There is no information available with regard to when the rest of the 3G network will go, but I imagine it'll be when the network can be fully confident that it won't negatively impact users in those areas. 

Pete.