Telecommunication Service Providers "Tele2” and “Bitė” plan to completely switch off the 3G network in the coming years and are actively encouraging their customers to ensure that their devices and SIM cards are adapted to 4G and 5G networks.
Evaldas Stankevičius, head of Tele2's network strategy and development, claims that the company is planning a complete network shutdown in 2025. According to him, active customer information ensured that already 44% the base of 3G SIM cards in use has decreased.
At that time, the director of new generation networks of "Bitė Lietuva" Modestas Ropė states that about 100 thousand are still used in Lithuania. 3G SIM cards that are not adapted to new networks. He points out that outdated SIM cards can already cause inconvenience when traveling abroad.
At that time, Telia completely switched off the 3G network at the end of 2022.
Tele2: We have reduced the base of 3G cards by 44%.
According to E. Stankevičius, the practice of turning off the 3G network is applied all over the world, since this technology is outdated, its frequencies can be used much more efficiently. However, he warns that while many customers will see an improvement in connectivity, those with older devices or 3G-only SIM cards should be concerned as they may be left with no connection at all if the networks are switched off.
"Disabling the obsolete 3G network is a natural step. This practice is used all over the world. In Lithuania, "Tele2" is rapidly expanding the new generation networks, so we will use the frequencies of the little-used 3G much more efficiently for the implementation of 5G and strengthening of 4G. Many users will experience an improvement in connectivity. However, those who use very old phones or, for example, do not remember the last time they changed their SIM card, should be confused and worried," said E. Stankevičius to Eltai.
He notices that the telecommunications company has already succeeded in 44% of renewals by appealing to customers. reduce the number of active 3G SIM cards by replacing them with adapted 4G and 5G networks.
"We actively inform our customers about the changes, we invite them to come to the salon. This has yielded results - we have already reduced the 3G SIM card base by 44 percent to date. Tele3 plans to completely switch off 2G in Lithuania by 2025. the end," he explained.
A representative of Tele2 emphasized that the network is being turned off gradually, but this does not mean that users should wait.
"The shutdown of the old generation network is happening gradually, after several cities, but we advise customers not to wait - the sooner users are restored, the better the quality of the connection they will be able to enjoy. It's not expensive to do this - there are few inexpensive smartphones available, and newer push-button phones also support 4G connectivity. "Tele3 replaces 2G-capable cards for customers completely free of charge," he explained.
"Bitė Lietuva": almost 100 thousand. of our customers are still using 3G SIM cards
At that time, M. Ropė submits that almost 100 thousand Bitė still uses cards that do not support 4G and 5G connection in customers' phones or other devices. He warns that outdated cards can already cause inconvenience, since some European countries have already abandoned them.
"Today, almost 100 thousand our customers are still using "legacy" SIM cards that do not support 4G and next-generation 5G connectivity. Such people would also experience problems while traveling, because Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, etc. have already turned off the 3G connection. countries", commented M. Ropė to Elta.
"Thousands of Bees' business customers are still using these legacy cards in various telemetry devices, such as garage doors, roadblocks, vehicles and more," he emphasized.
He emphasized that "Bitė Lietuva" is currently actively informing customers to renew. Although thousands of customers who haven't upgraded will likely be affected, he says, they will still be able to use basic features on 2G networks.
"We are currently actively informing our customers who have old SIM cards and inviting them to change to a new one. We also invite customers to abandon their old devices by replacing them with smart ones," he asserted.
"The most conservative customers of Bitė will be able to make calls on the 3G networks that are still working, even after the 2G technology is turned off. However, these people will not be able to use any smart and security functions, internet options", he mentioned.
M. Ropė emphasizes that 3G equipment is abandoned due to its inefficiency and high energy consumption.
"Bitė Lietuva" introduced 3G connection in our country back in 2006. in the spring Today, we feel that 3G no longer meets the demanding needs of our customers: the equipment is no longer efficient and uses a lot of electricity. In addition, we will transfer the radio frequencies intended for 3G communication technology to the new generation 5G technology", comments M. Ropė.
The telecommunications companies operating in Lithuania have been preparing and carrying out the shutdown of the 3G network for some time.
Telia has started shutting down its 3G network as early as 2022. in the spring Currently, the 3G network of this company is switched off throughout Lithuania.
At that time, Tele2 started shutting down the network in 2024. in the spring
