As the digital world continues to evolve, technological advancement and innovation propel us into an era of faster, more efficient communication. A prominent example of this is the phasing out of the once revolutionary 3G mobile communication technology. This technology is being phased out to make way for newer, advance technologies like 4G and 5G. This report investigates the ongoing 3G shutdowns worldwide, using examples from Germany and the USA. Furthermore, we examine the case of the United Kingdom, which are in the process of phasing out there 3G networks. We discuss its preparedness, the potential challenges it may encounter, and provide recommendations to ensure a seamless transition to the new technology. This report will also evaluate the potential impact the shutdown will have during power outages.
3G Turnoff:
The 3G network turnoff is the process of discontinuing the use and support of third-generation mobile network technology. As the mobile network evolves and 3G technology gets less efficient, the 3G turnoff allows network providers to repurpose the resources allocated to 3G networks to support the deployment and expansion of newer technologies like 4G and 5G. In hindsight, phasing out 3G networks will allow network providers to provide better speeds, increase network capacity, and improve the reliability of their services. Figure 2 highlights the current state of 3G availability in countries with top GDP and infrastructure rankings. Most countries from the list still have 3G available, but just like the analog shutdown, by 2025, most countries will have it phased out. Like the analog shutdown, the three countries, Norway, Germany, and the USA, have already phased out 3G. While there are still countries amid this transition, the experiences of pioneers like Norway, Germany, and the USA provide valuable insights and serve as examples for others to follow.
However, despite the benefits of the 3G turnoff, the 3G turnoff might be happening sooner than expected, and it’s hampering certain industries and individuals who still heavily rely on 3G connectivity. For example, industries such as healthcare, transportation, and IoT (Internet of Things) face challenges with the 3G turnoff. In healthcare, numerous devices rely on 3G connectivity, and with the rapid timeline of the turnoff, there isn’t enough time for healthcare providers to upgrade all of their systems. Furthermore, IoT devices in smart appliances, automotive, and retail rely heavily on 3G networks. These devices will require significant investments to upgrade, potentially hindering the growth of the IoT ecosystem. Overall, the 3G turnoff will face significant consequences if not done correctly. As mentioned earlier, two countries, Germany and the USA, have already switched off their 3G networks, and this transition has brought benefits and challenges, which will be analyzed.
| Country | 3G Availability | 2G Availability |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Still Available | Still Available |
| China | Still Available | Still Available |
| Singapore | Still Available | Not Available |
| Denmark | Still Available | Not Available |
| United States | Not Available | Not Available |
| Norway | Not Available | Not Available |
| Germany | Not Available | Not Available |
| India | Still Available | Still Available |
| United Kingdom | Still Available | Not Available |
| France | Still Available | Still Available |
| Italy | Still Available | Still Available |
| Canada | Still Available | Not Available |
Germany Case:
Why did they do it?
Germany decided to shut down their 3G networks because the freed-up space will be used entirely for the faster and more efficient 4G and 5G networks. This will give customers an even more powerful network for using their digital applications – from social media to music and video streaming. While the 3G network was shut down, Germany kept the 2G network online mainly due to the implications of the IoT applications. These are applications used in cars, security systems, consumer electrics, healthcare, and payments. These legacy systems are expected to be kept until a solution replaces these services. Furthermore, consumers with 3g phones will only have access to the 2G network, encouraging customers to switch over.
How did they do it?
Germany shut down their 3G networks in 2021. Each provider provided updates for the customers on when the shutdown would happen. For example, Deutsche Telekom allowed customers to change over without additional costs. This way, they automatically benefit from the changeover at no additional cost. Regardless of which rate Telekom customers use, LTE is included. By the time 3G was switched off in the summer of 2021, even the few remaining contracts will have access to the LTE network. Furthermore, while they encouraged customers to switch over if the customer still had an old 3G phone when the turnoff happened, they would still have access to the old 2G network, which is a lot slower. This provided everyone a network to connect to despite the 3G turnoff.
Also, unlike the UK, service providers in Germany announced dates for when their 3G will be turned off. For example, Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone announced their 3G will be turned off on 31.06.2021. This allowed customers to plan and understand when their 3G will be turned off.
Effects of the turnoff:
Vodafone has since claimed that the 3G shutdown has boosted 4G internet speeds by an average of 15%–20%. In addition, O2 Germany noted that the freed-up frequencies in the 2.1GHz band would be used entirely for its 4G network boosting their 4G speeds.
In Germany, there haven’t been any negative implications from the 3G turnoff, but an issue present with the 3G turnoff is for devices reliant on the 3G network, like IoT devices.
United States Case:
Why did they do it?
Like Germany, the USA phased out its 3G networks to upgrade their networks to use the latest technologies; they shut down its 3G network to free up spectrum and infrastructure to support new services, such as 5G. However, unlike Germany, the USA has already phased out 2G networks, stranding some IOT devices. Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions for these devices, and the US can only advise companies to act. The best, long-term solution is to check the device hardware and upgrade if necessary. While making such upgrades, users are well-advised to further future-proof their device by ensuring their data is cloud compatible.
How did they do it?
Similar to the UK, individual carriers announced their shutdown plans but didn’t provide specific dates of when the shutdown was happening. For example, AT&T announced that it phased out its 3G network beginning in February 2022, and Verizon announced it would shut down its network by December 2022. However, these were rough timelines of when the shutdown will be completed. As a result, providers began shutdowns in parts of their networks sooner than individuals expected. This confused some customers who were unaware of the shutdown happening sooner than expected.
Furthermore, the USA understood that other devices, such as specific medical devices, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle SOS services, home security systems, and other connected products using 3G networks, will be affected. So, the government encouraged individuals and businesses to contact the company or other service provider to confirm how the device connects and whether your device may be impacted.
Effects of the turnoff:
Before the 3G turnoff happened, there was a lot of backlash toward the swift action of the turnoff. This was primarily because of impacts on various safety and security devices that rely on 3G connectivity. These devices include medical monitoring systems, alarm systems, and security cameras. A personal emergency response company in the USA stated that they had spent more than 40 million dollars to tackle the 3G turnoff and upgrade their existing devices. However, due to covid and the supply chain disruption, this has delayed the process, and industries are complaining about how the 3G turnoff still went according to schedule. Other providers, such as T Mobile and Verizon, decided to wait a year because of this issue, but AT&T decided against this and went ahead with the shutdown.
Furthermore, the 3G turnoff in the USA disrupted older cars from collision avoidance and summoning 911 and other emergency services. For example, BMW is notifying owners of older models that their 3G-connected cars will no longer have support or connectivity starting in 2022.
That means that if you have an older BMW model that uses ConnectedDrive for things like traffic info or any other sort of access to the internet through various apps, you will no longer be able to use those features.
The issue present in the USA was they didn’t allow industries that utilize 3G networks enough time to switch their existing products to the newer 4G connections. Due to covid 19, it halted many industries’ progress, but the USA decided to push on with the shutdown, which has left many industries struggling to catch up.
To conclude, the effects of the 3G shutdown in Germany have been positive, with increased speeds observed on 4G and 5G networks. Furthermore, Germany’s careful planning of the transition and offering customers options to switch over to newer networks without additional costs has been proven successful. Although there are issues with IoT devices, countries can learn from these challenges and work towards finding solutions to upgrade and future-proof legacy systems. On the other hand, the USA faced many challenges with its shutdown. The first notable issue was the lack of specific dates for the shutdown, which confused some customers. The UK, which is currently phasing out its 3G networks, is also facing similar challenges in terms of providing specific dates for the shutdown.
From the lesson learned from the USA, transparent communication about the timeline and process of the 3G turnoff is crucial. Overall, the 3G network turnoff signifies progress towards more advanced mobile network technologies. While challenges exist, proactive measures, clear communication, and support from all stakeholders can help mitigate the impact and ensure a successful transition to newer and more efficient network systems.
United Kingdom Situation:
The UK government initially set an agreement to phase out 3G/2G by 2033. However, the 3G turnoff is happening sooner than you think. EE and Three plan to shut down their 3G networks by 2024, while Vodafone has already started their 3G shutdown and is expected to entirely phase out the network by December 2023. O2 is the only provider that hasn’t announced its 3G shutdown plans. Each provider is taking their own steps to communicate with their customers about the shutdown through various channels such as text messages, email notifications, and a FAQ webpage.
While these steps taken by the providers are commendable and necessary, there is a significant concern about when and where these turnoffs are happening. For example, many rural and remote regions of the UK still rely heavily on 3G networks due to the lack of 4G and 5G infrastructure. If 3G gets turned off in these regions, it could result in significant connectivity gaps, leaving individuals, businesses, and critical services without reliable communication. Furthermore, since the providers don’t provide a specific date for when the 3G turnoff will happen, individuals and businesses are left in the dark regarding their communication needs. Ultimately, the uncertainty about the timeline can make it difficult for them to plan for and manage this transition effectively. A potential solution to this issue could be that providers can send out a text message or an email to individuals and businesses 90 days before the 3G turnoff allowing more than enough time for them to find a solution.
Furthermore, another question that arises is, is the 3G shutdown happening too early? The UK government only requires providers to entirely phase out their 3G networks by 2033. However, providers are acting swiftly, potentially hampering the communication needs of those still reliant on 3G services. In addition, customers who are on providers such as Vodafone, EE, or Three who have to swiftly adapt to the changes may be caught off guard by the shutdown, and the government/providers should allow them to utilize the existing 3G coverage from O2, for example until they can find an appropriate solution. Ultimately, providers must balance the benefits of moving to newer technologies with the potential negative impacts of moving too quickly.
The UK is following in the footsteps of the USA, which shut down its 3G network in 2022. Still, as mentioned earlier, its shutdown posed many challenges to individuals and businesses due to the lack of communication and a timeline that wasn’t specified. The UK can learn from USA’s mistakes by implementing a comprehensive and transparent communication strategy about the upcoming transition from 3G.
To conclude, the 3G shutdown will impact numerous individuals and businesses. While the UK government and telecom providers have made substantial efforts to guide consumers through this transformation, there are evident gaps in the execution, particularly for vulnerable customers and those dependent on legacy systems. The UK should take lessons from Germany and implement their strategies to provide solutions in challenging areas. Furthermore, the lack of a concrete timeline for the 3G turnoff poses challenges for individuals and businesses. Finally, learning from the shortcomings of the USA’s 3G shutdown, the UK needs to ensure effective communication and support for all affected parties. Overall, to avoid leaving any individual or business uncertain or without essential communication services, it is paramount that these digital transitions are implemented meticulously, transparently, and inclusively.
What happens in a power cut for phone calls?
Phone calls are essential for individuals and businesses daily. They ensure communication, safety, and security for individuals and businesses. However, when a power cut happens, phone calls will stop working unless connected through analog or 3G lines. With the phasing out imminent, the question of what happens during a power cut becomes increasingly relevant. While regulatory bodies such as Ofcom have outlined guidelines and solutions to address these issues, there are still important considerations to ensure uninterrupted phone call functionality during power outages.
Phone calls:
When a power cut happens for digital phones, the only backup, according to Ofcom, is to use a battery backup. A battery backup is a Powerwall that stores energy that you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity from your home solar system or the electrical grid. Ofcom state that if you are dependent on your landline phone, for example, if you don’t have a mobile phone or don’t have a mobile signal at your home – your provider must offer you a solution to make sure you can contact the emergency services when a power cut occurs. They state that this solution should be provided free to people dependent on their landlines.
However, people not dependent on the line will have to purchase a battery backup or UPS device that can vary between £40- £80+ depending on the size and capacity of the device.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 3G shutdown poses significant challenges for individuals, businesses, and countries. However, several countries, such as Germany and the USA, have experienced the shutdown process, providing valuable insights and recommendations for other nations for a smooth transition.
For individuals and businesses, it is crucial to be proactive and informed about the impending shutdowns. This includes upgrading relevant legacy systems and seeking guidance from relevant providers to ensure a smooth transition to newer technologies. Furthermore, government bodies and providers must ensure clear communication and support for individuals and businesses to ensure a smooth process.
Businesses should also be aware of being locked into new longer contracts as a result of being migrated. If the provider can no longer provide a contracted service, then the customer should have the option to go elsewhere or be migrated to the new technology but only for the remainder of the term of the original contract.
On a national level, countries must ensure clear and transparent communications about the shutdown timelines, implications, and available alternatives. In addition, before phasing out their networks, countries should make sure there is a proactive plan and considerations for vulnerable groups and legacy systems. Also, understanding and learning best practices from other countries can help minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.
As countries evolve their network, by following these recommendations, individuals, businesses, and the country can embrace the benefits of advanced communication technologies while mitigating the potential risks and challenges associated with the 3G turnoff.
