Telefonica Deutschland of Germany will shut down 3G from July 1

Telfonica Deutschland announced recently that it will shut down its 3G network from July 1, 2021, making it the last operator in Germany to interrupt 3G network. This process will be completed by the end of this year.

In order to operate its 3G network, Telefonica used to use 20MHz in the 2100mhz band. However, due to the reallocation of 4G spectrum, most mobile stations now use 15MHz in LTE and 5MHz in 3G. By the end of the summer, the company will be able to provide full 4G coverage at two-thirds of all previous 3G sites.

What does this mean for customers?

What will happen when 3G network is shut down?

In the future, only 4G radio technology (LTE) will be used for data traffic and telephone processing. The frequency released by 3G network will be used partly for 4G technology and partly for 5g technology.

In other words, areas that used to have only 3G will be upgraded to 4G networks in the future, and the signal will be better after switching.

How long does it take to switch?

What to do when 3G is shut down?

According to the network operators, they have informed many customers, and in some cases, the tariff is still the same, but the original 3G network is simply extended to 4G network.

Any user who has not received any information or is not sure, it is best to inquire through the telephone hotline. Usually, such contract changes are free of charge. Some contracts may require a new SIM card, which is also free of charge.

Note: 4G contracts are not necessarily more expensive than previous 3G contracts. Even some contracts may be much cheaper than the original contracts after network changes.

What about old cell phones?

Any old mobile phone that can't use 4G Technology (such as iPhone 3S or other UMTS era smart phones) can still be used, but can only be used to send text messages or make calls. Because these tasks are taken over by the 2G network (GSM) which is still in service. Anyone who wants to go online or use social apps like WhatsApp needs a new smartphone. For example, the network operator Telef ó Nica provides mobile phone replacement service for customers. Compared with price comparator, there are many cheap contracts with mobile phones.

Why shut down 3G now?

3G network speed is slow, no longer suitable for many applications today, such as for high-definition video or online games, network speed can not keep up. To put it simply: 3G network is too narrow for the data flow needed now, and operators can no longer earn any income through this technology. And faster 4G and 5g technologies also require scarce radio frequencies.

In addition, the Federal Network Agency stipulates that by the end of 2022, they must provide 100 megabits per second (100 Mbit / s) of bandwidth for Germany's major transport routes and 98% of households. This is impossible in the existing 3G network, only using 4G and 5g technology can achieve the goal.