Estonian telco Tele2 has confirmed that it will retire its 3G network by the end of this year.
In an announcement this week, the carrier said it will kick off its switch-off next month, beginning in Rakvere.
According to Tele2, the shutdown of its 3G service will enable the telco to free up spectrum for its 4G and 5G networks.
Tele2 said it will phase out its 3G network in Western Estonia, Pärnu County, and the islands in May, Tallinn and Harju County in September, and Ida and Lääne-Viru counties, Central and Southeast Estonia in November.
“The technology sector is developing rapidly and, given current expectations, the 3G network no longer creates value for customers. Therefore, we will be the last Estonian telecom operator to close our 3G network this year,” says Rasmus Nurk, head of Tele2’s private customer unit.
“Our data confirms that most customers use modern networks, and therefore, it is not commercially sensible to invest in maintaining the 3G network. Instead, we will direct more resources into the development of 4G and 5G to ensure even better voice and data quality.”
Rival carrier Elisa completed the shutdown of its 3G network in November. Telia shut down its 3G network the year before.
Several mobile network operators have phased out their legacy 2G and 3G mobile networks in the last few years, including both Vodafone and EE in the UK, plus Australian carriers Telstra and Optus last year.
Earlier this month, Virgin Media O2 confirmed that it will kick off the retirement of its 3G network in April.
