Posted May 9, 2024 at 2:49 pm
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Find the most important details.
Find the most important details.
Mobile phone providers will switch off 3G networks by the end of 2024. The freed up frequencies will be used for 4G and 5G. Find out what this means for you and what steps you should take to be prepared.
Van Nadia Alina Kresl
2 minutes reading time(374 words)
As of January 1, 2024, the 3G network in Austria is being phased out. We reported. The shutdown was carried out earlier this year by three major mobile phone providers, A1, Drei and Magenta, whose main focus is on expanding 4G and 5G networks. Disabling 3G is more suitable for older devices, we have compiled the most important questions for you.
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Why is 3G network disabled?
3G technology dates back to a time when smartphones were just emerging and mobile internet was still in its infancy. With speeds of 10 to 15 MBit/s, 3G was revolutionary at the time, but no longer up-to-date. Today, most people use their mobile devices for surfing, streaming, gaming and chatting, which require a lot of capacity. The shutdown of 3G is part of a global trend. The freed up frequencies will be used for modern and efficient 4G and 5G technologies. This allows mobile phone providers to offer more capacity. Additionally, security standards are set higher in 4G and 5G networks.
When will the 3G network be switched off?
The shutdown of 3G network will be gradual and will vary from region to region. Loud Johannes Deutsch and Christian Wolf, mobile communications specialists at A1, the western part of Austria has already switched to 4G and 5G. The final shutdown of 3G is scheduled for the end of 2024. Both provide information in a YouTube video from A1.
Who is affected?
Most mobile users will not notice the shutdown as they are already using at least 4G capable devices. People with very old devices or those with old SIM cards that only work with 3G are particularly vulnerable. It mainly affects senior phones or smartphones that are more than 10 years old. If you belong to this group, check your hardware and SIM card and replace them if necessary.
What should you do?
If you have an old cell phone or an expired SIM card, there are simple solutions. Change your SIM card to the latest version. Switching to modern 4G and 5G devices is also recommended. This ensures that you can continue to make phone calls and use the mobile internet without any problems in the future. Do you need more information? Watch the video from Mobile Phone Experts:
Questions and Answers about 3G Network:
When will UMTS/3G become obsolete?
Mobile network operators are phasing out UMTS/3G from region to region. By the end of 2024, UMTS/3G will not be available across the board. (Source forum mobile contact)
Can you still make calls and text messages with an old cell phone or smartphone?
Yes, because you need a GSM/2G connection to make calls and text messages. GSM/2G network will be rolled out in future.
Who will be affected by UMTS/3G shutdown?
In fact, only a few users are affected by the shutdown: everyone whose smartphone is more than 10 years old. However, these smartphones work only to a limited extent today, as the most popular apps like WhatsApp are no longer supported on these devices. Users of “push-button cell phones” are not affected, as these devices typically only work with GSM/2G and the GSM/2G network is turned on.
Why is the UMTS/3G network turned off?
With an operating life of 20 years, the UMTS/3G network is not up-to-date in terms of both data speed and energy consumption. Through decommissioning, the freed up frequency bands can now be used more efficiently and environmentally friendly.
Do you need to buy a new cell phone or smartphone now?
It depends: Anyone who uses an old push-button cell phone and is happy with it can and should continue to use the device – the GSM/2G network it needs will work well into the future. However, anyone who owns a very old smartphone will have noticed that some apps no longer work. If you want to use the apps in the future, you will have to switch to a new smartphone. All mobile network operators are offering first-class smartphones with affordable tariffs.
