Finnish telecom provider Telia announced its network transition from 3G to advanced technologies on Wednesday. Telia Finland has stated that it will initiate the shutdown of its 3G services in September, starting in the Satakunta region, with a broader program scheduled for early 2024. Telia began testing 3G switch-offs at individual base stations in early 2023.
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Initial Shutdown
As part of the move, Telia Finland will initiate the shutdown of its 3G network on September 11, starting in areas of Ulvila, Nakkila, Harjavalla, and Kokemaki. This transition comes as the telecommunications giant is looking to improve customer experiences through the adoption of higher-speed and higher-capacity networks.
Frequencies Reallocation
The outdated 3G network will be shut down, and the frequencies released from the 3G network will be allocated to 4G and 5G networks. These advanced networks provide superior security, energy efficiency, and services compared to 2G and 3G.
Telia has stated that its 4G network already covers 99.9 percent of the population, and the new 5G network has rapidly reached to nearly 90 percent of the Finnish population.
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Telia emphasized that only about 1 percent of mobile data traffic currently utilizes 3G. Voice traffic has similarly embraced 4G voice services as consumers transition to newer phone models, rendering the older technology less crucial.
Telia announced that this 3G Network transition will progress in stages, commencing with Satakunta and extending to regions like Riihimaki, Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, northern Pirkanmaa, Aland, the capital region, Turku, and Tampere. The 3G shutdown will continue in wider areas in 2024.
Preparing for Advanced Services
Telia has indicated that it's well-prepared for the closure of the 3G network through its efforts in building the 5G network, along with the renewal of the 4G network and expanded 4G coverage. About the 2G network, Telia noted that the 2G Network has been in use for more than 30 years.
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Transition from 2G
The company further mentioned that authorities will carry out an interim review of 2G frequency licenses in 2023. Telia is of the view that licenses within the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands should be transitioned to a technology-neutral framework, while also determining the appropriate timing for shutting down the 2G network.
Telia pointed out that countries like Sweden and Norway are in the process of phasing out 2G by 2025 due to its outdated nature and the escalating maintenance costs associated with it.
