Poor network coverage

[itol]

Over the last few years, working from home, I don't think I've really been aware until lately of just how much network coverage seems to have deteriorated (possibly since the 3G switch off). 

I have had multiple occurrences where my phone is essentially unusable (until I find a wi-fi nearby which isn't always possible). This occurs regularly in the centre of cities and towns, not just rurally. My wife and I (also on three) had issues with literally no internet in Covent Garden last year which, to me, seems crazy and not something that I used to notice. Ever.

I've checked the network coverage tool and, guess what, most places supposedly have excellent 4G coverage. My phone is an iPhone 15 so should also get 5G if available.

Are there plans afoot to remedy coverage since the 3G switch off? I feel the issue is probably still going unnoticed / unreported due to the large amount of time people use a mobile off a mobile network. Any published plans of upgrades and areas would be very useful.

Also could you please link me to current (2025) APN settings so that I can be sure that my phone is configured correctly.

Any other suggestions would be very welcome!

Thanks.

[PeteG]

Hello there.

It's disappointing to hear you have experienced issues with your connection recently. Generally the 3G switch off shouldn't have impacted 4G and 5G phones because those phones wouldn't use 3G unless there was an issue with the 4G and 5G services within a given area. Since most users are using 4G and 5G phones, a wider issue with those services would have been highlighted quite some time ago. 

In areas where 3G coverage was the primary way to connect, and 4G/5G wasn't ready to replace them, 3G was actually left active. That has changed in recent weeks, with the remaining 3G signals being stopped. This gave the network time to have a replacement 4G service in place. As far as I know, the bands that were being used for 3G previously are now being used to serve the newer 4G connections, signal in those areas should be the same or better than they were before. 

I'm not aware of any new plans to alter coverage that are specific to the 3G switch off. However, Three customers will be gaining access to more masts thanks to the network unlocking the ability to use Vodafone masts alongside the Three masts. This should result in coverage and performance improvements for users. This change has been rolling out and will continue over the coming months and years. I don't have specifics on which areas were first, or the areas that will be next, but hopefully you'll benefit from that soon. 

To ensure you have the right APN settings, it's best to use the reset menu on your iPhone and choose the option to reset the network settings. This will force the device to download and install the latest carrier settings version, which include the right APN settings. 

Pete.