Today’s major mobile phone network service providers in the United Kingdom are phasing out some of their older, more outdated 3G services to make way for the newer, faster, and more reliable 5G network, but what does this mean for people living in Scotland? Find out more right here.
What does it mean for people living in Scotland that the 3G wireless mobile network is being phased out?
When the major mobile phone wireless network providers have completely phased out their 3G services, it will directly affect certain people living in Scotland. People who have much older 3G-enabled smartphones may lose access to mobile data, especially the older models that do not support 4G or 5G.
If you have a 3G device but aren’t sure whether that device will be able to connect to the 4G or 5G network, head to your device settings. It should be able to tell you in the mobile data or network settings part of your phone.
If your device doesn’t support 4G or 5G, then you will need to get a new device that can connect to much newer networks. If your device can’t connect, you won’t be able to visit your favourite moving streaming sites, such as Netflix or Prime, to watch your favourite movies and TV shows.
You also won’t be able to visit your favourite online casino to play the latest online slots or stay up to date with your socials or online banking.
When will 3G no longer be available?
Some companies have already switched off their 3G network, and others are expected to switch off at some point in 2023 or over the next 24 months. The plans are for 3G to be completely phased out by the end of 2024.
What areas of Scotland already have 5G network coverage?
Some of the major areas of Scotland that already have good 5G wireless network coverage are the following places:
- Inverness
- Elgin
- Fraserburg
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Peterhead
- Arbroath
- Perth
- St. Andrews
- Ayr
- Stornoway
Many other places in Scotland now have good 5G network coverage, and it will continue to roll out across the country over the coming weeks, months, and years.
What are the best new 5G-enabled mobile devices on the market today?
Two of the best new 5G-enabled mobile devices out there today that you may want to consider buying before any others, especially if you’re in the market for a device that can connect to the new and improved 5G network, are the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
You also have the OnePlus 11, the Apple iPhone 14, the Google Pixel 6a, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, Asus ZenFone 9, Apple iPhone 14 Pro, OnePlus Nord N20 5G, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4m, to name a few.
These devices range in value from around £400 up to £1,200, and they can be purchased from numerous trusted third-party sellers both online and offline. Examples include Mobiles.co.uk, Currys Mobile, e2save, John Lewis & Partners, Mobile Phones Direct, Carphone Warehouse, and Amazon.co.uk.
You can also buy 5G phones at Very, BuyMobiles.net, Clove, and Ebuyer, to name just a few trusted sellers.