The United Kingdom is gearing up for a significant telecommunications milestone as major mobile network providers announce the impending switch-off of their 3G networks. This move comes as part of the broader global transition towards faster and more efficient 4G and 5G technologies, promising improved connectivity and data speeds for consumers. However what will this mean for those of us in the unattended retail business who use 3G for contactless payments?
In December 2021, the UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs) confirmed to the government’s Department for Digital, Cultural, Media & Sports that they will cease to provide the 2G & 3G networks going forward. Switching off these networks will free up spectrum for 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G networks, enabling better, faster, and more reliable services. The 2G and 3G networks rely on older technology and running them alongside newer 4G LTE and 5G services involves increased operating costs, as well as a less efficient use of spectrum and energy. Different mobile networks have already started there 3G switch-off in some areas and announced there switch-off plans going forward.
Vodaphone:
began its 3G switch-off during February 2023 in Basingstoke and Plymouth and will continue with Hull, Oxford, and Greater London in June before moving on to the South of England. • Vodafone 3G will be fully switched off by 2024.
EE:
plans to start its switch-off in early 2024 and 3G will be fully switched off by the end of 2024.
Virgin Media:
(VM)-O2 has not yet announced its planned 3G switch-off date.
Three:
expects to switch-off 3G by the end of 2024 and it never offered 2G.
What does this mean for your contactless payment terminals?
This means that you may experience a slower connection speed and it may take longer for a customer’s contactless transaction to process. In extreme cases, the time required to complete the contactless transaction will exceed the time limit the bank allows a transaction line to remain open. Resulting in your customers not being able to complete their contactless transactions. Why is this the case? Because as they switch off the 3G network in your area, everyone who is using the 3G bandwidth will be moving onto the 4G bandwidth alongside others who are using this, potentially causing this to become congested and slowing down speeds.
Will I be affected?
If you are one of our customers and are using a LockBlox or Intelligent Freezer, then you will not need to worry. Your vending machine is connected to the internet via a built-in wifi, or a portable internet connection like a data sim card in a TP-Link box. A direct internet connection provides a stronger connection and your customers will still experience fast contactless transactions.
If you are using a Roesler vending machine then you may or may not experience issues. It all depends on your area and model of the machine. A newer Roesler vending machine is designed for 4g connection so you will not experience any issues. An older Roesler machine that was designed with 3G connectivity in mind can still connect via 4G, however the connection may be weaker. A difference in connection will also depend on the area you are in as well.
If you are effected when the change comes, don’t worry. A simple installation of a wifi router or a TP-Link box to your vending machine will keep your connection strong and taking customers contactless payments. If you become affected or worry that you will be effected then just call the team and Vending by JSR so we can help.