Staying connected has never been easier.
Whether you're in more WhatsApp group chats than you can count, you're a serial Snap-per or your love language is sharing reels on Instagram, keeping in touch with friends and family, near and far, is a breeze.
But despite the ever-growing number of messaging and social media apps, new research carried out by Tesco Mobile has revealed that the humble phone call remains the "most meaningful" way for Brits to stay connected with their loved ones - regardless of age or generation.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Onepoll, revealed that whilst messaging apps are used by almost nine in 10 people for day-to-day communication, it's the spoken word that people turn to when they want to feel closer to loved ones, with 83% of people living in Northern Ireland reporting that voice or video calling truly shows somebody you care.
More than half of respondents (62%) admitted that more voice or video calls from loved ones would "improve their mental health" and that their "mood lifts after speaking to friends and family." 38% reported feeling happier, 44% reported feeling more connected, and 40% reported feeling more loved following this type of catch up with a loved one.
In Northern Ireland 36% of respondents "wished they talked on the phone to the people they care about more often" whilst 80% of respondents said that hearing someone's voice "is important to deepening their bond with that person", suggesting that in a world of likes, clicks, views and emojis, the power of hearing a loved one's voice is as strong as ever.
This research comes as major upgrades are being made across UK mobile networks, with 3G being phased out by the end of the year to make way for 4G and 5G. People across the UK are encouraged to ensure they, their friends and family can stay connected.
"In our always-on, always-scrolling world, it can be easy to forget the power of a simple phone call," says Laura Joseph, chief customer officer at Tesco Mobile. "But this research shows that a call from a loved one boosts health and happiness.
"We want everyone to continue to enjoy those special moments as our network is upgraded, to bring customers faster, more reliable connections.
"Tesco Mobile colleagues are on hand over the coming months, both in store and online, to help customers in Northern Ireland make the most of faster, more reliable 4G and 5G connections. Whether it's checking compatibility or updating settings, we're here to help everyone stay connected to the people who matter most ahead of the switch."
3G networks will be switched off entirely by the end of 2025. However, almost two thirds (60%) of people who responded to the study were unaware that 3G networks have already started to be switched off by some mobile operators, whilst 65% didn’t realise they’ll need to turn on 4G Calling (VoLTE) in their phone settings to benefit from the network improvements.
Most people are already using phones that support 4G or 5G, but some older devices may need a settings update to allow them to stay connected. With only 50% of respondents confident in checking whether their phone is compatible, Tesco Mobile is ramping up support for customers to help them navigate the transition.
For Brits of all ages, voice and video calls remain the most meaningful way to connect with loved ones. Older adults remain the most committed to traditional phone calls, with 82% of those aged 45–54, and 83% of over-65s, saying calls are an essential way to stay connected, more than any other communication method. But they are also least likely to be aware of the actions they may need to take.
The simple steps to ensure your phone is ready for the transition
- Check if your phone supports 4G Calling (VoLTE).
- If you have a compatible 4G or 5G phone, you'll need to turn on 4G Calling in your settings. This may be called something else, depending on the make and model of your phone, as well as its operating system.
- If your phone is incompatible with 4G or 5G, visit the Tesco Mobile website, or drop into a store for support.
- Talk to older loved ones to ensure they too are ready for the change.
