Chilean regulator Subsecretaria de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel) has officially announced a plan to phase out 2G in the country. The telecommunications regulatory body has stated that it will oversee companies to ensure that customers do not lose connectivity during the network transition.
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Evolution of Mobile Networks in Chile
Subtel stated that with the emergence of newer and more advanced networks, such as 5G, 2G has now taken a backseat in the telecommunications market.
The Decline of 2G Technology
According to Subtel's statistics, 2G was the dominant technology in the Chilean mobile market until mid-2012. However, 2G has been surpassed by 3G and subsequently by 4G. Currently, just over 203,000 devices are connected to the 2G network in Chile.
In addition to being less widely used, 2G networks have become inefficient due to higher energy consumption compared to 4G or 5G, Subtel said. As a result, companies worldwide have been phasing out their 2G networks, including prominent players in Chile, like Entel, which announced its intention to discontinue the use of 2G a few weeks ago as reported by TelecomTalk.
Also Read: Entel Chile to Phase Out 2G for 4G, 5G Expansion From H2 2024
Subtel's Role in Ensuring User Connectivity
While recognizing the significance of technological advancements and their benefits to the lives of users and communication experiences, Subtel wants to ensure that the transition does not leave any user without service.
To guarantee a seamless process, Subtel stated that it would request companies intending to abandon their 2G networks to present detailed plans outlining how the transition will take place.
Moreover, Subtel said companies must provide information on the measures they will implement to mitigate any adverse effects on users, including contract modifications and device replacements, such as GPS and phones.
Subtel will Oversee the 2G Shutdown process
The Subsecretary of Telecomunicaciones affirmed that Subtel, through its oversight processes, will verify that the shutdown of 2G networks does not leave any locality in the country or its users without connectivity.
The authority added that "Different technologies comply with cycles and are being renewed by others. Today, while 5G networks are being deployed in the country, technologies such as 2G are in retreat. In addition, these are inefficient technologies with energy consumption, and their withdrawal will allow companies to upgrade to the networks of different parts of our country."
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The deployment of 5G networks signifies a new era in telecommunications, promising enhanced services, faster data speeds, and expanded coverage for Chileans nationwide.
