It's not that he needs 3g hc4361. It's simply that 3 have stopped support for 2g in a lot of places in the UK, including it seems from the area he lives in. Signal is carries in the area on behalf of 3 by Orange, who apparently charge 3 a fortune to carry the signal on their behalf. The phone indicates it's using the Orange network as soon as it's switched on. As he's anxious about the signal when he's out and about in his car, I have to be pretty sure that he can get a signal wherever he is eg calling the breakdown service from his car.
A smartphone is beyond his capability or need at the age of 82!
According to the Sainsbury's website, the Doro 508 is 2g only.
http://www.phoneshopbysainsburys.co.uk/doro-508.html
The Doro 650 does appear to be 3g. Thank you.
Jomlett, I've ordered the Phoneasy 621 from Argos today. Thank you very much for your help.