Italian telco Wind Tre has said it will shut down its 3G network by the end of next year.
In a statement, the telco confirmed it's about to begin its switch-off process, ahead of the planned December 31, 2025, switch-off date.
Wind Tre said the first phase of its switch-off involves dismantling the 2,100 MHz band and expects to carry this out over the next two months. The spectrum will be reallocated for its 4G and 5G services.
"It is important to underline that in this first phase, the 3G service will continue to be available throughout the national territory on the 900 MHz band, at equal to the 2G service, thus ensuring continuity of service for all users with devices that support the 3G and 2G service on the 900 MHz band," said Wind Tre.
A second phase will be planned, adds Wind Tre, noting that this will be revealed later this year.
Earlier this year, CK Hutchison-owned Wind Tre acquired the assets of wholesale fixed wireless access (FWA) provider OpNet. These assets include 5G spectrum, which will be used towards expanding the telco's 5G network.
Several telcos have phased out their legacy 2G and 3G networks in the past couple of years. In the UK, EE and Vodafone switched off their 3G networks within a few days of each other.
Japan's Softbank is poised to retire its 3G network this month, after delaying it by a few months due to the recent earthquake in the country.
