Eir to begin 3G network switch-off in October

Eir says only proportion of its 2m customers use 3G-only services

Telecommunications firm Eir is retiring its 3G network across Ireland, the company announced on Thursday, with the switch off planned for October. 

Telecommunications firm Eir is retiring its 3G network across Ireland, the company announced on Thursday, with the switch-off planned for October. 

The move will see eir become the latest operator to switch off 3G as part of an industry-wide shift towards newer technologies. In 2024, Vodafone became the first mobile network provider in Ireland to switch off its 3G network.

GoMo mobile and Lyca mobile also use the Eir network, so this means that 3G services for their customers are also being retired in the autumn.

The switch-off will take place on a phased basis over a number of weeks from October 1. Eir said only a small proportion of its 2m customers use 3G-only services, and the change will have no impact on most customers, who already use 4G and 5G services. 

“Retiring 3G will help us focus our network investment on newer technologies that are delivering the best experience for customers today," said eir chief technical officer Fergal McCann. "Our priority is to keep the transition simple, clear and fully supported for the very small number of customers who need to take action.”

Eir says it will contact 3G-only customers directly on the steps required to upgrade to higher speed mobile data services. "This may include updating device settings, replacing a SIM card free of charge, or moving to a compatible device," eir said.

Calls and texts will continue working as normal for all eir customers after October.

Eir customers aged 65 and over who have been identified as needing a new SIM card to access 4G and 5G services will automatically be sent a replacement SIM by post. Eir also has an Age Friendly customer care team who can be contacted from Monday to Friday on 1800 252 252, from 10am to 4pm.

According to ComReg, mobile devices are not the only devices affected by the ongoing retirement of the 3G network in Ireland. Other devices which could be affected include smartwatches, GPS trackers, and heating systems.