Posted on Feb 18, 2025.
0 comments
The UK is saying goodbye to 2G and 3G mobile networks, marking the end of an era for older mobile technology. If you rely on these networks, it’s time to prepare for the transition.
Why Are 2G and 3G Being Phased Out?
Mobile providers are shutting down these legacy networks to free up spectrum for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services. These newer technologies offer better call quality, faster data speeds, and improved security. The UK government has set a target for all 2G and 3G networks to be switched off by 2033, but some providers will phase them out much earlier.
How Will This Affect You?
-
Older Phones: Devices that rely on 2G or 3G for calls, texts, and data will stop working once the networks are turned off.
-
Connected Devices: Some older GPS trackers, alarms, and smart meters may also be affected.
-
Emergency Calls: Even if your phone can no longer access 2G or 3G, emergency calls should still work on 4G or 5G networks.
What Should You Do?
-
Check Your Device: If you’re using an older phone, especially a basic handset or an early smartphone, you may need to upgrade. We have a range of 4G and 5G mobile phones that are future-proofed.
-
Contact Your Provider: Find out when your network will be shutting down 2G or 3G and ask for guidance on upgrading.
-
Upgrade to 4G or 5G: Switching to a newer device ensures you stay connected with improved performance.
We will still sell a limited range of 2G phones as they are both inexpensive and easy to use.
As of February 2025, UK mobile network operators are progressing with the phase-out of 2G services, aiming for complete shutdown by 2033. Here's the current status:
-
EE (BT Group): Plans to maintain 2G services until 2030, providing a fallback for voice and text services in areas where 4G and 5G coverage is limited.
-
Vodafone: Has not publicly announced a specific shutdown date for its 2G network but has committed to discontinuing 2G services by 2033.
-
Three UK: Did not operate a 2G network and has no plans regarding 2G services.
-
Virgin Media O2: Has not specified a shutdown date for its 2G network but, like other operators, is expected to phase out 2G services by 2033.
These timelines align with the UK government's agreement with major mobile operators to phase out all 2G and 3G services by 2033.
At Helpful Things, we’re committed to keeping you informed about technology changes. If you need advice on upgrading your devices or ensuring your smart tech keeps working, get in touch with us today!
Read more »
Posted on Jun 04, 2020.
0 comments
We are very pleased to be offering the Emporia range of phones, new to the UK in 2020. The full collection is
here.
Read more »
Posted on Apr 23, 2020.
0 comments
At The Helpful Things Company we want to help those most in need at this time. We are clearing our warehouse and offering lots of products for free to those most in need, only postage needs to be covered.
Read more »
Posted on Mar 13, 2018.
0 comments
The new Amplicomms Powertel phone range is now available! Improved functionality and a great new design.
Read more »
Posted on Feb 21, 2017.
0 comments
My contact with your firm gave me very helpful contacts. With many thanks. ,
Read more »
Posted on Nov 19, 2015.
0 comments
If you find it difficult to use a normal computer or tablet, don't miss out on all the benefits. We have just launched a range of extremely easy to use computers, all with extensive support. Experience the "friendly computer" now!
What a great idea, at last computing is available to everyone who is not comfortable with information technology. Everything is set out in simple "modules" such as email, word processing, Skype and Facebook. With pre-configuration to get your going out of the box and unlimited support by phone this is a great product to stay in touch with technology - enjoy life online!
Read more »
Posted on Nov 19, 2015.
0 comments
We are pleased to present a really helpful new service in partnership with Fuss Free Phones. Doro phones are already the market leaders for seniors, providing easy to use, loud and clear mobiles. This has now got even easier for those who do not wish to, or are not able to, remember how to program numbers, dial or create text messages. All this can be done for you with a friendly service that is reached by simply pressing the large "SOS" button on the rear - it's that easy! The trusted and popular Doro 614 phone is only £50 to buy with this service (or free if signing up for 12 months) and then just £20 a month to use with adequate minutes to call. This is very competitive compared to any other mobile phone contract, and flexible terms, cancel at any time. 0% VAT relief is available to those who qualify, making it an even more affordable service providing peace of mind and convenience, as well as reliable emergency contact if it is needed. We highly recommend this service and think it's a great addition to the range of products and services we offer to help our goal of ageing well.
Read more »
Posted on Jun 08, 2015.
0 comments
A great new product - Lively - has been launched today. It gives family members insight when a loved one may need their help. And with Lively’s new stylish and easy-to-use safety watch, 24/7 emergency response is just a single button push away. With its simple design, anyone can use it — and stay safer from falls and emergencies.
Get 24/7 help when it’s needed: Once the safety watch button is pushed, a live operator will attempt to reach the user by phone to confirm emergency services are needed — and can call up to 3 emergency contacts before emergency services are dispatched. The operator will stay on the line until help arrives.
This is an innovative and well designed service newly available in the UK. It looks great and provides a discrete yet effective way of making sure that your loved ones living alone are not only active, eating well, taking medication and, most importantly, in case of emergency have the means to call for help from a professional call centre operated 24 hours a day. We have enjoyed testing Lively, it is very well designed and also easy to set up. Highly recommended!
Read more »
Posted on Oct 16, 2014.
4 comments
We really believe in the importance of customer feedback. We now have hundreds of reviews across many of our products and we like to hear what our customers think, both positive and negative.
Please do give your thoughts and opinions on the products and service that we offer. This is the best way of improving and evolving our range and ensuring that you get the best, tested and trusted products as we grow.
Read more »
Posted on Apr 30, 2014.
0 comments
The Doro 612 is a really great combination of features, ease of use and value for money. It's one of our most popular mobiles with good reason and we can find little to fault it. For those who do not need or want a smartphone, you can't go wrong with this model!
Read more »
Posted on Jun 10, 2013.
0 comments
Welcome to the first blog from The Helpful Things Company.
We have been up a running for six months now, and have seen a huge increase in both the number of products on offer and the number of visitors we welcome each day. Most importantly, we enjoy connecting the two! We are only succeeding if we can help people in ageing well, that is our mission and feedback has been extremely positive.
You can read all about out products elsewhere on the site, the purpose of this blog is to explain more about the key product categories that we offer, provide context about the issues and challenges faced by users of these products, and to share our plans for development. We also hope that this will become a two-way communication channel and we very much welcome your feedback and comments.
Thank you for visiting the website, it's all about our customers and we think very carefully what you would like to see gathered in one place for us to provide helpful things to you!
Read more »
