Mobile provider Tele2 discontinues 3G services in Latvia
Tele2 Phases Out 3G Technology in Latvia
Tele2, a leading telecommunications provider in Latvia, has announced the phasing out of its 3G network, a move aligning with industry-wide trends across Europe. The transition aims to allocate network resources more efficiently to newer technologies like 4G (LTE), LTE-A, and 5G, which offer faster speeds, better connectivity, and improved services.
According to Oskars Fīrmanis, Tele2 spokesperson, the work to shut down 3G networks began last year. More than 70 base stations ceased operation on Wednesday night, with the last 3G base stations located in Rīga, Pārdaugava, and Marupe municipality.
The closure of 3G base stations does not affect the availability of 4G and 5G networks for customers. However, users with devices that only support 3G need to switch to smartphones or devices compatible with these newer technologies to maintain service.
Tele2 and other Latvian operators already support LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR networks. Users can choose from two options: upgrade to 4G or 5G-compatible devices or use VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) technologies, which replace traditional 3G voice calls with higher-quality voice communication over 4G or WiFi networks, both of which Tele2 supports.
Less than 5% of Tele2 users have used the 3G network, and less than one percent of all mobile internet consumption by Tele2 users has used the 3G network. This means that the majority of Tele2 users are already using devices compatible with 4G and 5G networks.
Customers who use only calls and do not use mobile internet can continue using their phones on the 2G network, regardless of this change. It is important to note that customers who are unsure about their device's network can check on the Tele2 website or at Tele2 customer centers.
The phase-out reflects global telecom shifts toward more efficient, high-capacity networks enabling better user experiences and preparation for future innovations. Latvia is not exempt from the worldwide phasing out of 3G technology. Tele2, like other operators worldwide, is phasing out the 3G technology.
No specific official Tele2 Latvia public statement on this exact phase-out was found in the search results. However, industry standard practice and regional trends in Latvia strongly support this reasoning. It is recommended that affected users take action to ensure uninterrupted service.
[1] European Commission. (2020). "5G Action Plan: Connecting Europe for a Gigabit Society." European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/5g-action-plan-connecting-europe-gigabit-society_en
[2] GSMA. (2020). "The Mobile Economy: Europe 2020." GSMA. https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/reports/the-mobile-economy-europe-2020/
Tele2, as part of industry-wide trends, is transitioning its resources from 3G technology to newer technologies like 4G (LTE), LTE-A, and 5G, which offer enhanced services.
The phase-out of 3G technology by Tele2 reflects global telecom shifts towards more efficient, high-capacity networks facilitating better user experiences and setting the stage for future innovations.
