3G Network Switch Off - How will this effect my CollecTin More?

3G Network Switch Off

In the UK 3G data signal – the ‘third generation’ of mobile technology – is being phased out across 2024 and 2025. Different providers are switching off their 3G networks at different times: you can read more about the switch off on Ofcom’s website.

If you have one of our older units and your device connects to the internet using a SIM card, you may be affected by this change. Th CollecTin More model 3G is not capable of connecting to 4G or 5G networks, so you may want to explore what changes you would like to adapt that could work for your context.

If your CollecTin More was purchased before November 2021, you will be using a 3G model (orange or purple top).  Any CollecTin More purchased after November 2021 is 4G-enabled and will not be affected.  3G models have a grey or 'Parish Buying' logo background, square Give A Little icons, and an orange or green support icon (see left-hand image).

If your CollecTin looks like any of the below images (orange or purple top), you have a 4G model and no action is required.

If you have a 3G model CollecTin More:

You can still use your 3G model if your church has Wi-Fi. However, if your church/building does not have Wi-Fi and there are no plans to install it, there are several options available to you:

1. Use mobile broadband with a dongle or MiFi

You can purchase a mobile dongle or MiFi router, which use a SIM card to create a Wi-Fi network for your contactless device to connect to. There are lots of different types available: some come with a SIM card and data plan, while others allow you to use your own SIM card. TP-Link have a variety of routers that can be used with your own SIM card; prices start from around £40. (Note: You cannot connect a WiFi device that requires a USB connection and for a budget dongle solution you need to have good 4G signal.)

2. Upgrade your tablet

Rather than replacing your CollecTin More, you can upgrade your CollecTin More by purchasing a new tablet for £200. The new 4G A12 tablet has a faster processor (so it loads videos more quickly) and 5GHz Wi-Fi. The upgrade also includes a new SumUp tray, internal cabling and new charger plug. The tablet upgrade is available in the online shop here for card payments. If you would prefer to pay via BACS, please contact support@collectin.com with the details as specified at the bottom of this guide.

(Support Article: How to fit a new tablet into the CollecTin More)

3. Daisy SIM - short term solution

The SIM cards provided with a CollecTin are a multi-network SIM (Daisy), meaning they connect to whichever network is available/ strongest. When a specific network no longer provides 3G support, the SIM should connect to another provider who still does (if the signal is strong enough). Alternatively you can lock it to a specific 3G network if one is locally available (Support Article: How to lock your SIM to a specific mobile network)

Some CollecTin’s came with a Daisy SIM card pre-installed. To activate your Daisy SIM card, please click https://daisycomms.co.uk/collectin/ (SIM number on bottom of CollecTin). If you need to order a new SIM card, please email Daisy collectin@daisycomms.co.uk

Presumably, if your organisation does not have Wi-Fi, you will already have a SIM card. If you are using a SIM card that is not from Daisy, please ensure that it is a multi-network SIM that can connect to a 3G network. Please note that the SIM card option is a short-term solution, as it is restricted in time until the final 3G network is discontinued.

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Should you wish to place an order for which you require a proforma invoice for payment via BACS, please send the below to support@collectin.com

Order: Please specify which products you would like to purchase and how many.