> This is mostly a 2G issue. Modern Android devices, and perhaps iOS devices, have a toggle to disable 2G for this reason.
My Android phone, Motorola Edge 20, has a setting for preferred network type. Options are 5G/4G/3G/2G, 4G/3G/2G, 3G/2G, or 2G only. Doesn't seem to be a way to disable 2G or 3G, even though most networks here (UK) no longer support them.
For phones that support it, there's a separate toggle for disabling 2G. I don't think the preference setting you're referring to has the same effect. If I recall correctly, The separate 2G toggle goes down to the modem especially rather than just being configuration.
I do have my phone set to 4G+5G only through that same screen, though, as my modem lacks the 2G toggle as well. If there are missing options in the dropdown, try dialing *#*#4636#*#* and see if you can configure it through there.
I don't know exactly what determines what configuration is exposed to the UI, it's possible your modem simply lacks support for disabling entire generations of cellular technology.
I believe the SIM supports all kinds of rules for what networks and xG should be visible to the user.
I know for a fact a local network has 3G here, but it’s not exposed on my phone to choose, presumably because it knows there’s 4G and 5G and carriers don’t want some dolt camping on 3G and eating more mhz/bit. I used to camp on 3G because Canada sent out too many dumb “emergency alerts” for custody disputes 1000km away, but those only operated over LTE, not 3G.
People don’t believe me when I say you can see, and sometimes connect to, US networks from a tall building in Toronto from over the lake because Canadian SIMs have rules/conditions to hide them, but if you put in an overseas SIM, you’ll see them on a scan.
Have also had a world of a time with a French SIM refuse to connect to a Canadian tower because it really preferred the US towers (lower roaming costs maybe?).
My Pixel 6a has a toggle in settings labeled "Allow 2G". It does have a note saying it may help you connect in situations where reception is poor, and that it may potentially be used for emergency calls even if you turn it off.
I was under the impression that most European countries were keeping 2G around for legacy applications and voice calls on roaming (until VoLTE roaming and emergency calls finally become equally reliable), shutting down 3G if anything?
My Android phone, Motorola Edge 20, has a setting for preferred network type. Options are 5G/4G/3G/2G, 4G/3G/2G, 3G/2G, or 2G only. Doesn't seem to be a way to disable 2G or 3G, even though most networks here (UK) no longer support them.