As you may already know, like other networks, we are switching off 3G across the United Kingdom. We begin this switch-off from the 9th of September and expect this to be completed within two weeks. This means, if you have an incompatible device, you will not be able to make or receive calls, texts or use your data allowance. This could also impact your service whilst abroad, as many networks around the world have already stopped supporting 3G devices.
Due to a technical issue with some mobile service providers, including SMARTY, we believe that your device will NOT work with SMARTY after the 3G switch-off (please check if your device is listed [here] It may work with some other networks. We’ve checked and your device should work with Three, our parent network.
To remain connected with SMARTY, we recommend that you change to a newer device that is compatible with 4G calling and 5G and is not listed on the above list. [Our website] has information on replacement devices and we are exploring further options to help you.
We are very sorry for this, and we hope you remain with SMARTY, after upgrading your device.
If you have recently upgraded to a compatible device, that’s great! There is nothing that you need to do, and you will continue to be connected.
Looking at the list, the Fairphone is listed on incompatible devices, but it is, obviously, 4G compatible…
So is 4G calling working for you? Without this working and no 3G and 2G you will not be able to make calls. Its def capable to do 4G Calling, however when your provider says its not compatibel and they are not willing to change that it might not be working.
… which indicate you would need VoLTE (Voice over LTE = 4G calling) provisioned by your provider for your device, which they say Three would be able to do.
You probably know that Smarty is a brand name for “Hutchinson 3G” as is the “3” brand. Your phone will still work but you will find that you get less coverage than you do now. Currently where your 4G reception is poor you fail back to 3G. When 3G is switched off there be nowhere to fail back to as 3 never used 2G.
The other 3 networks (Vodafone, O2 and EE) still have 2G to fail back to as far as I’m aware.
I’m not sure about SMARTY, but I’ve had issues with 3G reception where I live. So a year ago I looked into 4G calling. I tried third-party provider Virgin mobile, but 4G calling/VoLTE didn’t work on my FP3. I asked on the beta forums a year ago and got the following response
which is fair enough. I understand that it’s not trivial to add in providers.
So I had to go with a main provider (in my case EE) which is supported and works very well for both 4G and Wi-Fi calling on my FP3. So I would guess that Three would be fine too. I’m not aware of a list of supported providers. Might be worth checking with Fairphone Support.
I’ve no idea, being as I hardly ever use the phone for calling, and when it is, it’s next to my head so I don’t know what it says on the screen, if anything.
Yes, I am facing the same problem. Looking at the FairPhone hlep page it only lists Voderphone as having VoLTE & VoWi-Fi compatibility… which isn’t a great choice! I would much rather switch to an O2 based provider, so I can keep my roaming when abroad. Anyone know if the VoLTE function works on O2?
My network provider (Smarty) has been contacting me to say that very soon, their parent provider (3) will be switching off it’s 3G networks.
Fairphone 3+ is on the list of phones that will no longer be able to make calls or texts, as it does not have the function of 4G calling.
I could switch to another provider temporarily, but all companies will be switching off their 3G networks in the coming months.
Does this make the Fairphone 3+ obsolete? All the advice I can find, both online and at phone shops, says I need to just buy a new phone with 4G calling.
Is there any way to update my current phone or make it work once the switch off happens?
I would dump Smarty and avoid any MVNO that piggybacks off of 3. Oh, I’d also ignore Lycamobile too (EE) as the Tory donor class don’t seem to want to pay their due taxes : Guardian newspaper article on HMRC winding up petition.
Off the top of my head, Tesco mobile uses O2, 1pmobile uses EE and Lebara use Vodafone. All of those still provide 2G which 3 never did. 2G will switch off by the year 2033 according to OfCom. The FP3 will be long dead by then if recent sudden deaths are anything to go by.
Don’t change your FP3 (yet), change your network.