3G SWITCH OFF

[Jeffers613]

I am in my 80's and need some advice!

I need to update my phone but want to retain my existing SIM (which I have had for several years) which is suitable for my needs. 

Will this SIM fully work in a new handset after the 3G switch off?

As far as the handset is concerned, are there any models which are 'user friendly' for those, like me, who have arthritic fingers and need, for example,  a larger keypad (but not a tablet size)  

[Enlli]

Hard for us to say here.

What we need to ask is are you contract or PAYG?

With the latter, calls and text will revert to 2G so you will still be able to make calls and send text.

If contract it would be best to get a phone that is designed to make calls over 4G. 

If you want bigger buttons look at handsets from Doro.

Once the handset is sorted you can then consider the SIM. But as I said you will still be able to use the phone for calls and text in the meantime 

https://www.doro.com/en-gb/why-doro/new-categories/doro-hemma-doorbell/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt...

[pgn]

If your SIM needs to be updated, @Jeffers613, popping into an O2 Shop, with valid photo id, will allow O2 to check and, if necessary, to replace your SIM with a more current one, for free. Do not be tempted to move to an eSIM, though - O2's sales techniques can be very persuasive: insist on any replacement being a physical, plastic, SIM. 

See other advice above re a suitable phone model with bigger buttons etc. Good luck!

[Jeffers613]

Many thanks, Enlli and pgn. 

I have a contract, not PAYG.

I am happy with my existing tariff. So, can't I simply insert my SIM into a new handset? Why do I need a new (plastic) SIM? 

If I do need a new SIM, can I ask O2 to send this to me as I can't get to one of their shops?

Finally, when I buy a new handset (eg from Doro) what do I need to ask them to ensure it will fully work after 3G is shut down?

 Is it sufficient to ask them to confirm that it is 4G (and 5G?) enabled?

Someone has told me that I also need to ask about VoLTE.Is that correct? 

[Enlli]

VoLTE (O2 call it 4G Calling)is the ability to make calls over the 4G network and is essential these days. Most phones offer it, but wise to check if you find a phone you like.

Up to you, but I would get the phone and swap over your SIM first.

Then, if it there are problems call in to an O2 shop with the phone and your Photo ID and they will then swap the SIM over for you 

[gmarkj]

Taking these in order @Jeffers613 ...

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@Jeffers613 wrote:

I am happy with my existing tariff. So, can't I simply insert my SIM into a new handset? Why do I need a new (plastic) SIM? 

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You should be able to, but getting a new one (if you have had yours for a while) will make sure it is able to connect to 4 and 5G.

It could also be that any new phone does not take a larger size sim - newer ones are a 3 in 1 style, where you can alter the size as required.

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@Jeffers613 wrote:

If I do need a new SIM, can I ask O2 to send this to me as I can't get to one of their shops?

Again, yes you can - but the new process if you ask for a sim to be sent is for the one you currently have to be turned off. So you will be without a working phone until it eventually arrives (o2 uses Royal Mail to post sims).

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@Jeffers613 wrote:

Finally, when I buy a new handset (eg from Doro) what do I need to ask them to ensure it will fully work after 3G is shut down?

 Is it sufficient to ask them to confirm that it is 4G (and 5G?) enabled?

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There is a website that you can use to check which bands a phone uses.

https://willmyphonework.net 

You can also check the phone on GSM Arena - you can search and compare phones on there. 

https://www.gsmarena.com/ 

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@Jeffers613 wrote:

Someone has told me that I also need to ask about VoLTE.Is that correct? 

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VoLTE allows you to make calls using the LTE connection type, which is 4G. So if the phone is 4G enabled it should also allow VoLTE.

[Jeffers613]

Thanks to all.

I have looked at the two Doro smartphones which are currently on their website – models 8100 and 8200. They both seem to provide what I need as far as finger dexterity is concerned.

However, I see from the specs that they both run on Android v12 which was released in 2021. I believe that all  Android support for v12 ended last month.

There have been 3 later versions  (13, 14 and 15) and it seems that v16 is due out in June 2025.

I have found comparison information on Google (eg 13v12, 15v14)and the message seems to be that each later version is a major upgrade and, therefore, a “must have” ! It’s all way above my understanding.

I use my phone only for calling, texting/ messaging, emails, WhatsApp and internet surfing and looking and downloading internet links (including eg BBC iPlayer and watching catch-up items etc) and to take a few photos and short videos.

Doro have the 2 phones on offer (8100 reduced from £200 to £170 and the 8200 from £270 to £230 – even cheaper on Amazon at £129 and £184 respectively).

So my question is – given my use above of the smartphone – would I be ok to buy a 8100 or 8200 and benefit from the price reductions (which are presumably there because support for v12 has ended!)  or are there any features of versions 13, 14 or 15 which are significant and would really benefit me (as distinct from other people and/or marketing hype)?

If I would benefit significantly (in terms of features and/or security) from versions 13, 14 or 15 (or indeed 16) then I will delay buying from Doro until they presumably bring out a model that runs on a later (or latest) version.

I have to bear in mind that O2 will be shutting down 3G during 2025, so I need to upgrade before then. They don’t give a geographic timeline. Does anyone know when 3G in London will be cut off?   

[Oxonian]

To answer your last question @Jeffers613, by the end of this year :- 

Virgin Media O2 to continue 3G switch off in Norwich, Telford, Guildford and Torquay - Virgin Media ...

https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/virgin-media-o2-to-continue-3g-switch-off-in-norwich-telford-guildf...

[Jeffers613]

Thanks, Oxonian.

Can anyone help with the rest of my 21 April post?

[Enlli]

@Jeffers613 For what you do the earlier versions of Android you mention will be fine.

They probably won't get security updates, but doubt that would be an issue. 

However, if you intend keeping the phone long term then the later version may be a better bet.

Up to you really. But either way you will be able to carry on as normal