Published February 25, 2024 at 2:40 pm / © FMK
The gradual shutdown of the 3G network will begin on January 1, 2024, as part of a large-scale modernization process. We've summarized what this means for you.
At the beginning of 2024, Austrian mobile providers A1, Drei and Magenta gradually began turning off their 3G networks. This information is also provided on the websites of the respective service providers. The deactivation will be implemented gradually on a region-by-region basis. By the end of 2024, UMTS/3G will no longer be widely available. The older 2G standard is still in use in Austria, as are the newer 4G and 5G mobile phone generations.
3G network
By the end of 2024, the three Austrian mobile network operators will retire the first legacy mobile communications standard UMTS for mobile broadband – known today as 3G – in favor of a robust 5G system. The 3G system, introduced in 2002, allowed realistic data speeds of around 10 to 15 Mbit/s and was therefore the first system to enable nationwide mobile broadband coverage in Austria in the final expansion phase. With this system, the smartphone began its triumphant march and gradually replaced the push-button cell phone.
Hardly anything changes
For the vast majority of mobile phone users, switching on and off will not change anything, because the last smartphones that do not have at least a 4G module are now at least 10 years old, but usually much older. The number of very old smartphones still in use is estimated at less than 2 percent. But users of these devices hardly notice the shutdown because these smartphones no longer support existing applications. For example, the most popular chat app “WhatsApp” is not available on devices older than about 8 years. Since the 2G network – the basic GSM network for classic mobile phones – will continue to operate in the future, these devices will still be able to make calls and send SMS. 2G push-button mobile phones can still be used almost 30 years ago.
More capacity with the same frequency requirements
Change happens for several reasons. The first priority is the necessary expansion of mobile Internet capacity. The efficiency of 3G systems still operating today is very low compared to the new 4G and 5G mobile phone generations, but they block important frequency bands that will be used for 5G in the future. UMTS/3G – depending on the system technology – consumes about 1,000 to 3,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per terabyte transmitted. 5G systems save on average over 96% of electricity consumption with a consumption of about 50 kilowatt-hours per terabyte. Although the potential for savings is enormous, the power consumption of mobile networks will not decrease that much due to the ever-increasing amounts of mobile data transferred. But this is exactly why it is so important that frequency bands still used for 3G are released for 5G quickly. Therefore, progress in the expansion of the 5G network, the imminent shutdown of 3G systems, and the transition to the 5G network means not only contributing to climate protection, but also contributing to achieving greater independence from energy suppliers.
Modern safety standards
Another reason for turning off the 3G network is that despite numerous updates over the past 20 years, this system will not have the necessary security standards in the future. This means that it is no longer possible to guarantee safe operation of smartphones in 3G mode.
Questions and answers about the 3G network:
When does UMTS/3G expire?
Mobile network operators are gradually turning off UMTS/3G from region to region. By the end of 2024, UMTS/3G will no longer be available in all areas. (Source: Mobile Communications Forum)
Can you still make calls and send texts using an old cell phone or smartphone?
Yes, because you need a GSM/2G connection to make calls and send SMS. The GSM/2G network will remain on the air in the future.
Who is affected by the UMTS/3G shutdown?
In fact, only a small number of users are affected by the shutdown: anyone whose smartphone is more than about 10 years old. However, these smartphones are only functional on a limited scale today because the most popular apps like WhatsApp are no longer supported on these devices. Users of “push-button mobile phones” are not affected as these devices usually only work with GSM/2G and the GSM/2G network remains on.
Why is the UMTS/3G network turned off?
With an operational life of up to 20 years, the UMTS/3G network is no longer up to date in terms of data speed and power consumption. With decommissioning, the freed-up frequency bands can now be used more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Should you buy a new cell phone or smartphone now?
It depends on the following: Anyone who uses an old push-button cell phone and is happy with it can and should continue to use the device – the GSM/2G network required for this will also work in the future. However, anyone with a very old smartphone will notice that some apps no longer work. If you want to use the apps in the future, you should switch to a new smartphone. All mobile network operators offer top-tier smartphones with reasonable tariffs.
Lifelong foodaholic. Professional twitter expert. Organizer. Award-winning internet geek. Coffee advocate.