Vodafone has confirmed it will phase out its 3G network and begin upgrading it to 4G and 5G from later this year as part of a nationwide modernisation programme.

The company, which has 2.3 million customers in Ireland, said the number of people using the network for data had "significantly reduced in recent years" to the point that just 6% of data on the Vodafone network travels on 3G.

The decision follows similar moves in the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and other territories, with the mobile operator saying that networks were being upgraded and future-proofed to make service more sustainable, energy efficient, and resilient.

"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," said Anne O'Leary, CEO of Vodafone 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.  

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"We are communicating the beginning of this phased programme as early as possible so customers can stay connected while this transition takes place."

Vodafone will commence an extensive campaign to communicate its plans to customers from today, the company said it provide practical supports to ensure continuity during the transition.

"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," O'Leary added.

Vodafone became the first operator to launch an Irish 5G network in 2019 following trials in rural areas and the Dublin docklands the previous year.

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