Eir Begins 3G Switch-Off from October 1 as Donegal Leads National Decommissioning of Ageing Network
Eir is to begin switching off its 3G network from 1 October, starting in Co Donegal before rolling out the decommissioning across the rest of the country over subsequent weeks. The move, which will free up valuable spectrum for 4G and 5G services, will have no impact on the majority of customers who already use newer network technologies, but those relying on 3G-only devices — including some medical trackers, alarms, and older vehicles — are being urged to upgrade before the switch-off reaches their area.
Background
3G technology, which was introduced in Ireland in the early 2000s, represented a significant leap forward in mobile communications at the time of its launch, enabling mobile internet access and video calling for the first time. In the two decades since, however, it has been comprehensively superseded by 4G and 5G technologies, which offer dramatically faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. The continued operation of 3G networks requires spectrum — a finite and valuable resource — that could be more efficiently used to improve 4G and 5G coverage and performance.
Eir's decision to decommission its 3G network follows similar moves by mobile operators in other European countries, where 3G switch-offs have been under way since 2020. The UK's major operators completed their 3G decommissioning in 2024, and Ireland is now following suit. The phased approach — starting in Donegal and rolling out across the country over several weeks — is designed to allow customers in each area to prepare for the change before it takes effect.
The choice of Donegal as the starting point for the switch-off is significant. The county, which has a large rural population and significant areas of poor mobile coverage, has been a priority for Eir's network investment in recent years. The decommissioning of 3G in Donegal will free up spectrum that can be used to improve 4G and 5G coverage in the county's more remote areas — a development that will be welcomed by communities that have long complained about poor connectivity.
Key Developments
For the majority of Eir's customers — those who already use 4G or 5G-compatible devices — the switch-off will have no negative impact. Voice calls and text messages will continue to function normally, and data services will be unaffected for those on newer networks. The switch-off will, however, affect customers who are still using 3G-only devices, which will lose their data connection once the network is retired in their area.
The categories of device most likely to be affected include older smartphones that do not support 4G, certain home alarms and security systems that use Eir SIM cards, medical trackers and monitoring devices, and some vehicles with built-in connectivity features. Eir has stated that it is contacting affected customers directly and has provided a dedicated Age Friendly Care support line at 1800 252 252 for customers aged 65 and over who may require specific assistance.
Customers who need to upgrade their devices can obtain a new SIM card from Eir free of charge. Those with 3G-only smartphones will need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G-compatible device, and Eir has indicated that it will offer assistance to customers who are unsure whether their device is compatible with the newer networks.
Why It Matters
The 3G switch-off matters because it is part of a broader transformation of Ireland's telecommunications infrastructure that will have long-term benefits for consumers and businesses. The reallocation of 3G spectrum to 4G and 5G will improve network performance across the country, particularly in rural areas where coverage has historically been poor. For businesses that rely on mobile connectivity — from farmers using precision agriculture technology to remote workers in rural communities — the improvement in network quality will be a significant benefit.
The switch-off also matters because of its implications for digital inclusion. The customers most likely to be affected by the decommissioning of 3G are older people and those on lower incomes who may not have upgraded to newer devices. Eir's commitment to providing free SIM cards and dedicated support for older customers is a positive step, but the company will need to ensure that no customer is left without connectivity as a result of the switch-off.
Local Impact
In Donegal, where the switch-off begins on 1 October, the impact will be felt most acutely in rural areas where 3G has historically been the primary mobile network available. Communities in the Inishowen Peninsula, the Donegal Gaeltacht, and the more remote parts of the county will need to ensure that their devices are compatible with 4G before the switch-off takes effect. Eir has indicated that it will work with local community groups and the county council to ensure that residents are aware of the change and have access to the support they need.
What's Next
The 3G switch-off will roll out across the rest of the country over the weeks following the Donegal launch, with Eir expected to publish a county-by-county schedule in the coming days. Customers who are unsure whether their device is compatible with 4G or 5G can check on Eir's website or contact the company's customer service team. The decommissioning of 3G is expected to be complete across the country by the end of 2026, at which point Eir will begin the process of reallocating the freed-up spectrum to improve 4G and 5G coverage in areas that currently have poor connectivity.
