Telecommunications firm urges Limerick customers to avail of free upgrades before network upgrade

VODAFONE Ireland is urging Limerick customers to upgrade their devices for free ahead of a network reboot that will see it cease 3G connectivity.

The €2m modernisation programme will be rolled out in Limerick later this month with customers being advised to avail of a free upgrade before the 3G network is switched off. 

The telecommunications company is urging customers – who have been notified by SMS in the past month – to act if they are currently using a 3G-only handset and avail of a free upgrade on bill pay, or a discounted upgrade on pre-pay, to a 4G compatible device and enjoy enhanced levels of coverage and connectivity.

Limerick city has been selected as the first location in Ireland where the 3G network will be upgraded to 4G and 5G.

Good news for thousands of Limerick homes as high-speed boadband network is rolled out

Commenting on the initiative, Sheila Kavanagh, Vodafone Ireland Network Director said: "Limerick is a key strategic location for us at Vodafone and we want to ensure that customers have the best and most reliable network coverage. Upgrading our 3G network to 4G and 5G will future proof and enhance the customer experience.” 

Research has shown that less than 4% of people in Limerick depend on a 3G data connection, with use of 3G reducing significantly in recent years.

Speaking about how 3G provided ‘an initial foundation’ for 4G and 5G network technology, Ms Kavanagh added: “The network technology on 4G and 5G has now been sufficiently developed to give our customers a faster and more sustainable mobile experience that lessens the impact on the environment. 

Vodafone says the upgrade programme is being rolled out on a phased basis to reduce any impact or disruption to our customers.