Legacy 3G, 2G Networks Still Crucial in Europe

Some of Europe’s legacy 3G and even 2G networks continue to play a significant role in the region’s telecom sector because many users are still heavily dependent on the outdated technologies, despite continued investments in 5G standalone and other updates aimed at achieving the elusive 5G upturn.

As a result, the telecoms in the region are faced with yet another challenge: how to shut down networks that must remain in daily use while also attempting to replace them without causing significant service disruptions and outages that would draw criticism from all directions.

While additional investments in 5G standalone and other updates continue in the hopes of achieving the elusive 5G upturn, some of Europe’s legacy 3G and even 2G networks continue to play a significant role in the region’s telecom sector because many users are still heavily dependent on the outdated technologies.

Both Vodafone and EE (a division of the BT Group) have already shut down their 3G networks in the UK.

Prior to being purchased, Three, which is currently merging with Vodafone UK, was halfway through decommissioning its 3G infrastructure.

Due to the removal of 3G services, Vodafone UK’s 3G shutdown has resulted in a greater utilisation of the remaining 2G network rather than an increase in 4G adoption.

In reality, the needs of an operator’s enterprise clients—especially those who still depend on 2G or 3G services to ensure the continuous operation of IoT devices like smart meters—usually determine which outdated technology should be shut down.

The proven dependability of coverage in rural and remote areas, spectrum licenses held for specific mobile technologies (and how long they must operate), the age and usefulness of the equipment in use, the amount of investment made in each technology, and the extent to which it has been amortised on an annual accounting basis are additional factors that influence an operator’s decision to phase out a cellular technology at any given time.

Manomsi Mallum/ TheGuardian