eir is to begin retiring its 3G network across Ireland from the first of October.

The switch off will be completed over the following weeks.

Donegal will be the first county to retire 3G, followed by all other counties on a phased basis.

Only a small proportion of eir’s customers currently use 3G-only services.

They have all been contacted directly by eir with clear guidance on the simple steps required to upgrade to high-speed mobile data services.

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Release in full –

eir to begin retiring 3G network from 1 October
Measure will support continued development of 4G and 5G services

eir is reminding customers that from 1 October, 2026, it will begin retiring its 3G network across Ireland. The planned switch-off is part of eir’s ongoing mobile network evolution, supporting the continued development and enhancement of its 4G and 5G services.

Donegal will be the first county to retire 3G, followed by all other counties on a phased basis. The switch off will be completed over the following weeks.

The change will have no impact on the vast majority of customers, who already use and enjoy enhanced 4G and 5G services every day. A small proportion of eir’s customers currently use 3G-only services and have all been contacted directly by eir with clear guidance on the simple steps required to upgrade to high-speed mobile data services. Actions taken by these customers included updating device settings, a free SIM card replacement, or moving to a compatible device.

All calls and texts will continue working as normal for all eir customers after October, and for 3G-only customers, taking the recommended steps will ensure continued access to high-speed mobile data services. Customers with any queries can visit eir.ie/3Gswitchoff/ or speak with staff in any eir store.

This move sees eir become the latest operator to switch off 3G as part of an industry-wide shift towards newer technologies, supporting faster and enhanced data services and improved reliability.

Fergal McCann, Chief Technology Officer, eir, said: “Retiring 3G will help us focus our network investment on newer technologies that are delivering the best experience for customers today. Recent recognition by Opensignal as Ireland’s No.1 network for 5G coverage and availability highlights the progress we’ve already made. To build on this success, our priority is to keep the transition simple, clear and fully supported for the very small number of 3G-only customers who need to take action.”