• Vodafone confirms it will upgrade its 3G network in a phased programme from late 2022.
• Programme of significant investment to boost 4G and 5G coverage and speed will enable Vodafone to provide Ireland’s most reliable network experience for customers.
• This is part of the strategy to make Vodafone Ireland’s network more sustainable and energy efficient.

30^th^ June 2022: Vodafone Ireland has today announced that it will begin a phased programme to upgrade its entire 3G service onto its 4G and 5G network from 2022 - providing enhanced coverage and connectivity for its customers. The existing 3G network will be upgraded to a more sustainable 4G and 5G service as part of a nationwide network modernisation programme.

The upgrading of the 3G network to 4G and 5G is a key part of Vodafone’s strategy to provide Ireland’s most reliable network experience across the country. Data dependency on 3G has significantly reduced in recent years to the point where now around 6% of the data used on our network travels on 3G.

This move will also make the network and service more sustainable and energy efficient, while increasing its levels of network performance and resilience for Vodafone customers. The move follows similar programmes around the world {UK, Italy, Netherlands,} where networks are being upgraded and future proofed, so they are consistent with and facilitate cutting edge technologies and innovation.

Vodafone will begin an extensive campaign to communicate its plans to customers from today, and will continue to share information, guidance and practical supports so coverage and connections continue as normal during the period of transition.  For further information, visit https://n.vodafone.ie/network/3G-upgrade.html

Vodafone CEO Anne O’Leary says: “Our ambition is to provide the best and most reliable level of network coverage around the country for our customers. Upgrading our 3G network and our sites to 4G and 5G will futureproof our network for our customers all across Ireland. 3G provided an initial foundation to build out connectivity, the technology has now sufficiently developed to give our customers a faster and more sustainable mobile experience that lessens the impact on the environment.  

We are communicating the beginning of this phased programme as early as possible so customers can stay connected while this transition takes place. This is just the start of an extensive communication campaign that will ensure that any customers that need guidance, are supported by our customer teams."

ENDS