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Is it the end of 2G and 3G networks? Shutdown imminent
As technology advances, new features are developed that improve the performance of any device. In the case of mobile phones, they begin to enter a process of evolution with the arrival of 5G technology.
As a consequence, 2G and 3G networks are falling behind, to the point of being totally obsolete. Today, the main network is 4G, which sees out of the corner of its eye how new smartphones incorporate new tools in network connections.
Necessary evolution
Currently, almost all people in the world have a Smartphone, and therefore have a connection through mobile networks.
Whether 2G, 3G, 4G or the most recent, 5G, they are technologies that allow Internet access to any device, varying their speed between each one.
Therefore, the more the number increases, the faster it can be said. It is for this reason that both 2G and 3G networks are beginning to be discontinued, to make way for new technologies.
In this sense, it is logical that these last two networks end up completely disappearing, given that they have very little use in the world.
In this way, if it disappears, it would pave the way for 5G technology to take advantage of the radio spectrum that they no longer occupy. Therefore, it would translate into a much more fluid and efficient connection for users.
In other words, in terms of frequency and occupancy, it is necessary for old networks to make way for 5G technology so that it works much better.
The abandonment of 2G and 3G networks is not something new
Within a world in which technology is constantly advancing, large countries choose to get rid of what does not serve them.
Indeed, Australia was the first country that decided to leave the use of 2G networks in the past. Then, in later years, it was joined by Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea, executing the shutdown of said technology.
Recently, in Mexico, Movistar supported this initiative, beginning with the process of deactivating the 2G network.
In the case of Europe, the situation is not going the same way, although changes are beginning to be noticed. Until now, some operators (not all) in Switzerland, Norway and Sweden decided to jump on the bandwagon of the future, forgetting about obsolete networks.
However, one of the most influential countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, still depends on the 2G network for certain activities.
Specifically, it is used for the operation of payment terminals as well as some emergency services implemented in approved cars in Europe.
What will the operators do about it?
Depending on the country, the replacement of the previously mentioned networks is not just a push of a button and that's it. Like everything in this life, to carry out a transition process, a relatively high capital investment is required.
However, some of the largest and most recognized operators have already made public their plans to leave these networks behind.
One of them, Movistar, plans to go to the right side of history, changing copper networks for fiber optics, used in many parts of the world. Said objective would be set for 2025, the year in which they also plan to get rid of 3G technology.
Vodafone, on the other hand, has much more ambitious plans as it aims to achieve 3G shutdown by 2023.
Almost behind the ambulance, Orange, barely has a schedule that by 2025 it begins to turn off the use of 2G networks. Therefore, there is not even an approximate date for them to start working on the replacement of 3G.
Does the shutdown of these networks affect me?
There are those who say that surviving consists of adapting, and it can be said that it applies in this specific case. Although the vast majority of smartphones have a 4G connection, there are people who still have older generation phones that have been discontinued.
That, without also mentioning the arrival of 5G technology at the most advanced terminals of the moment.
However, the same smart devices that we use today also use 2G and 3G to make phone calls.
Although they have been replaced by the calling services offered by instant messaging applications, it is still an essential service for operators.
Therefore, it could be said that the main affected would be those people who have not adapted to new technologies. Regardless of the reasons, if you want to stay connected, communicated and updated today, you need to invest in it.
