Progressive Milestones: Telia Finland’s Scheduled Shutdown of 3G Services and its Move towards Enhanced 4G and 5G Networks

Telia Finland, a leading telecommunications company, has announced its decision to shut down its 3G services in order to enhance customer experiences with faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks. This strategic move involves reallocating frequencies from the outdated 3G network to advanced technologies, ensuring that customers benefit from the latest innovations in the telecom industry.

Telia Finland’s Decision to Shut Down 3G Services

Telia Finland aims to provide its customers with improved connectivity and faster data speeds by phasing out the 3G network in favor of more advanced technologies. By reallocating the frequencies used by 3G, the company can enhance the capacity and performance of its 4G and 5G networks. The frequencies released from the 3G network will be allocated to bolster Telia’s 4G and 5G networks. This will not only enable greater coverage but also ensure that customers have access to higher-speed mobile internet services.

Initial Shutdown in Satakunta Region

Telia Finland plans to initiate the shutdown of its 3G network in the Satakunta region, beginning on September 11. The areas affected by this initial phase include Ulvila, Nakkila, Harjavalta, and Kokemäki. Customers in these regions will experience a seamless transition from 3G to the advanced networks.

Transitioning from 3G to Advanced Networks

With the discontinuation of the outdated 3G network, Telia is taking a step towards optimizing its network infrastructure. By focusing on more advanced technologies, the company can deliver enhanced network performance and improved customer satisfaction. The frequencies vacated by the 3G network will be repurposed to strengthen Telia’s 4G and growing 5G networks. This reallocation will enable greater network capacity, faster data speeds, and seamless connectivity for customers across Finland.

Telia’s Extensive Network Coverage

With a robust 4G network, Telia already provides impressive coverage to 99.9 percent of the Finnish population. By shutting down the 3G network and reallocating frequencies, Telia can further enhance its 4G coverage and offer customers an even better network access. Telia Finland has made significant strides in deploying its 5G network, which already reaches nearly 90 percent of the Finnish population. This rapid expansion demonstrates Telia’s commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions and preparing for the future of telecommunications.

Minimal Utilization of 3G Network

As mobile technology has evolved, the demand for 3G services has diminished. Currently, only around 1 percent of mobile data traffic utilizes the 3G network. By phasing out 3G, Telia can reallocate resources to meet the growing demand for enhanced 4G and 5G services. Not only is data traffic shifting towards newer technologies, but voice traffic has also transitioned to 4G voice services. This further emphasizes the diminishing role of 3G and the need to allocate resources more efficiently for advanced voice services.

Staged Transition Plan

Telia Finland’s transition plan involves shutting down the 3G network in stages, beginning with the Satakunta region. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition for customers and allows Telia to manage the process effectively. The plan also includes expanding the shutdown to other regions across Finland by 2024.

Telia’s Preparedness for Network Closure

Telia Finland has made significant investments in building its 5G network infrastructure. This proactive approach ensures that the company is well-prepared to handle the increased demand for advanced network services and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Alongside its 5G network development, Telia has already achieved widespread coverage with its 4G network. By reallocating frequencies from the 3G network, Telia can further expand its 4G coverage and provide customers with enhanced connectivity nationwide.

Discussion on Transitioning 2G Network

Telia Finland believes that licenses within the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, currently used for 2G services, should be transitioned to a technology-neutral framework. The company is actively engaging in discussions to determine the appropriate timing for shutting down the 2G network, aligning with the global trend of phasing out outdated technologies.

Phasing out 2G Networks

Several countries, including Sweden and Norway, have set timelines to phase out 2G networks due to their outdated nature and increasing maintenance costs. This strategic move ensures that limited resources are directed towards more advanced technologies to meet evolving customer demands. The decision to phase out 2G networks is driven by the need to allocate resources efficiently. The outdated nature of 2G technology, coupled with the rising maintenance costs, makes it imperative for telecom companies to transition towards newer and more efficient network technologies.

Telia Finland’s decision to shut down its 3G services marks a significant step towards enhancing network capabilities and improving customer experiences. By reallocating frequencies from the outdated 3G network to advanced 4G and 5G technologies, Telia is well-positioned to ensure seamless connectivity, faster data speeds, and widespread coverage across Finland. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, Telia Finland remains committed to investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and delivering the most advanced services to its customers.

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