Eir begins retiring its 3G network in Ireland from 1 October 2026, starting in Donegal and moving through the rest of the country over the following weeks. Most people with a modern 4G or 5G phone will notice little or nothing. The group that needs to act is smaller but important: people using older handsets, older SIMs, trackers, alarms, medical devices or connected cars that still depend on 3G data.
The change also matters beyond customers who see “eir” on their bill. Ireland's communications regulator ComReg notes that GoMo and Lyca Mobile use the eir network, so the retirement of eir's 3G service also affects their 3G availability.
What is switching off on 1 October?
The process begins on 1 October rather than ending nationwide in a single moment. Donegal is first, with other counties following in phases. That matters if you travel around Ireland: a device might still find 3G in one area while it has already disappeared in another during the transition.
Will calls and texts stop?
Eir says calls and texts will continue working for its customers after the 3G retirement. The bigger issue for a 2G/3G-only phone is mobile data: eir says mobile data will stop working on devices that cannot use newer data services.
Modern smartphones normally use 4G or 5G for data. Many also support voice over 4G, usually called VoLTE or 4G Calling, and Wi-Fi Calling. Device support can still depend on model, software, SIM and provider settings.
How do you know if your phone needs attention?
Start with the phone model and network settings. If the device supports 4G or 5G and regularly shows those indicators, it is unlikely to be a 3G-only handset. If it is old enough that it never connects to 4G, check with the provider before the switch-off reaches your county.
Eir says some affected customers may only need a settings change or a replacement SIM rather than a new phone. It offers a free replacement SIM where the device itself is compatible.
Do not forget devices that are not phones
This is the easiest category to miss. Eir specifically warns that some alarms, trackers, medical devices and cars using an eir SIM and depending entirely on 3G may need to be updated or replaced.
These products can remain installed for years without attracting attention. If a household alarm, personal safety device, vehicle system, gate controller or tracker contains an older SIM, ask the supplier which network generation it requires. Do not wait for the device to fail before checking.
GoMo and Lyca customers should check too
ComReg states that GoMo and Lyca Mobile use the eir network, so eir's 3G retirement is relevant to customers on those brands as well. The practical steps are the same: confirm that the phone or connected device supports newer network technology and that the SIM and settings are compatible.
What should you check this week?
- Confirm whether your phone supports 4G or 5G.
- Install current phone software and carrier settings.
- Check whether 4G Calling or VoLTE is enabled where supported.
- If eir has contacted you about an old SIM, arrange the replacement before your county switches.
- Make a list of non-phone devices with SIM cards: alarms, trackers, cars and medical equipment.
- For critical equipment, contact the device provider rather than assuming it will fall back automatically.
Why networks retire 3G
Mobile operators have limited radio spectrum and infrastructure. Retiring an older technology allows more resources to be focused on 4G and 5G services. For users, that can mean better capacity and newer network features, but only once old devices have been moved off the retired layer.
Bottom line
For most Irish smartphone users, the 3G switch-off should be uneventful. The people most likely to experience a real problem are those with a 3G-only device or an overlooked machine-to-machine product that quietly depends on 3G data. Checking those devices before 1 October is more useful than waiting for a loss of service.
Current guidance is available from ComReg's 3G retirement information and eir's 3G switch-off page.
More Ireland-focused digital guides are in our Ireland technology section.
