O2’s decision to switch off its legacy 3G network next month will create £13.7m worth of e-waste, researchers have said.
Networks are phasing out 3G to free up spectrum for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G networks, which are in higher demand for data-intensive services and applications. Vodafone and EE completed their 3G switch-off in early 2024, and while Three still has a small number of 3G sites operational, most were also shut down last year.
Research by BusinessWaste.co.uk found that some older devices only able to connect to data services through 3G will effectively become unusable. Those devices will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or connect to the internet.
According to data from the UN’s Global E-Waste Monitor, just 30% of the e-waste generated by the UK is properly recycled. Up to 80% of the materials in most smartphones are recyclable, but without going through the correct processes, the torrent of defunct devices risks wasting vast amounts of resources that could...