After 5G was declared the new network standard, the entire network operation is to be converted to 4G and 5G. In order to save capacity and costs, the entire 3G mobile communications standard is to disappear by the end of 2021. The well-known LTE network for the mobile Internet, just like 2G, is to continue to be operated. However, that will raise some questions that we want to clarify in this post.
When will 3G be switched off?
The shutdown of the 3G mobile network is to take place largely within 2021 . 3G should no longer be available by the end of 2022 at the latest . When UMTS is switched off depends on the network operator. Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone switched off their respective networks at the end of June 2021. O2 / Telefónica has not yet given a fixed date, but wants to put an end to the 3G network by the end of 2022 at the latest..
Why is 3G being switched off?
3G is also known as UMTS, which means Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems , and for a long time it was the fastest possible mobile internet. After that, 4G, i.e. LTE, came relatively quickly. Since 2020 we have been working hard to expand the 5G network in Germany. Since radio masts are expensive to build, existing radio masts in particular are to be converted for the spread of 4G and 5G. These cellular networks run on other frequencies so that the frequencies for 3G can no longer be covered. This is why the network operators have decided to completely deactivate 3G and only offer 4G and 5G for mobile Internet. The 2G standard is also retained so that mobile internet is still available to older devices. However, this is then much slower.
You can find more information on switching off 3G here on heise online.
What happens with the 3G shutdown?
In short: in the best case scenario, nothing at all. Unfortunately, this statement cannot be made in such a general way. The network operators want to switch to the more up-to-date standards and thus ultimately spread faster mobile Internet everywhere. In terms of the concept, hardly anything should change. Older devices, such as pet trackers, still run on 2G - it won't turn it off. More modern devices such as autonomous cars or cars with on-board computers mostly run on 4G or higher - so here too you don't have to worry about missing updates.
There could be a few problems with car sharing cars or cars with emergency buttons. So far, these have been running over 3G, in some cases using built-in SIM cards. Some of these are to be retrofitted or the functions are no longer available. In theory, these devices can also access the 2G network (Edge). However, this only provides the Internet that is so slow that it is not necessarily sufficient. The same also applies to smartphones and other mobile devices that cannot receive a cellular standard that is newer than 3G. If mobile data is to be used, they can now only access 2G internet..
What can I do if my SIM card or mobile phone only works up to 3G?
Especially with older hardware, the device or SIM card may not be able to process newer standards such as 4G and higher. The network operators want to independently contact users with old contracts in order to offer a free new SIM card or a new contract. If your operator has not yet contacted you, you can inquire about a new SIM card yourself. However, even a SIM card with 4G or 5G standard cannot use this if your smartphone is not designed for it. If your smartphone is relatively old and could only use cellular data up to 3G, you should consider getting a new device. However, this is only necessary if you want to use the Internet regularly when you are out and about. If you only use your mobile phone for calls and in the WLAN,you can simply stick with your usual SIM card and your old smartphone. Then the change in the cellular standard has no effect on you.