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.