Tele2, one of Estonia’s leading telecommunications providers, has announced plans to retire its 3G network by the end of this year. This move comes as part of a broader shift to modernize and optimize its network infrastructure for the future. In this article, we’ll explore the implications of the 3G shutdown and what it means for customers, the company, and the telecommunications landscape in Estonia.
Tele2 to Begin 3G Shutdown in November
Tele2 will begin deactivating its 3G network in November, with the process starting in Rakvere, Estonia. The phased rollout will continue throughout 2025, with different regions seeing the 3G service shutdown at varying times. The first phase will impact Western Estonia, including Pärnu County and the islands, and is set to begin in May. By September, areas such as Tallinn and Harju County will be switched off, and by November, the remaining regions—including Ida and Lääne-Viru counties, and Central and Southeast Estonia—will complete the 3G deactivation.
This strategic move aims to free up valuable spectrum for Tele2’s 4G and 5G networks, which are increasingly vital to meet growing consumer demand for faster and more reliable mobile data.
Why Tele2 Is Ending 3G Service
Tele2’s decision to retire its 3G network stems from the rapid evolution of mobile technology. According to Rasmus Nurk, head of Tele2’s private customer unit, the 3G network no longer provides significant value to customers in a market increasingly dominated by 4G and 5G technologies.
Nurk emphasized that Tele2’s data confirms the majority of customers are already using modern networks, making it economically unsustainable to continue maintaining 3G infrastructure. “Given current expectations, the 3G network no longer creates value for customers,” he said. “Therefore, we will be the last Estonian telecom operator to close our 3G network this year.”
The company intends to redirect resources from the 3G shutdown into developing its 4G and 5G networks. The focus will be on enhancing voice quality and improving data speeds to ensure an even better customer experience.
Comparison with Other Estonian Telecoms
Tele2’s decision to phase out its 3G network follows similar moves by its competitors in the Estonian market. Rival carrier Elisa completed its 3G shutdown in November of the previous year, while Telia had already shut down its 3G network the year before that.
This pattern mirrors a global trend where mobile operators are increasingly retiring legacy 2G and 3G networks in favor of more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. Globally, companies like Vodafone and EE in the UK, as well as Telstra and Optus in Australia, have followed suit in recent years, underscoring the industry-wide push toward more efficient, high-speed networks.
The Future of Mobile Networks in Estonia
The shutdown of 3G networks in Estonia is a natural progression in the adoption of newer technologies. With the world rapidly moving towards 5G, mobile operators are eager to allocate more resources toward next-generation infrastructure. This will not only improve mobile data speeds but also pave the way for innovations like smart cities, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and autonomous vehicles.
For consumers, the shift may be largely transparent, as most users have already transitioned to newer devices that support 4G or 5G. However, those who are still using older 3G devices will need to upgrade their hardware to continue accessing mobile services.
The Impact on the Telecom Sector and Customers
The retirement of 3G networks is expected to bring long-term benefits to the telecom sector. By reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G, providers like Tele2 can enhance overall network performance, providing better coverage, faster data speeds, and lower latency.
For customers, this transition offers the opportunity to experience improved mobile services. However, the shutdown may present a challenge for users who rely on 3G-only devices or are in areas where 4G and 5G networks have not yet reached full coverage.
FAQ
1. Why is Tele2 shutting down its 3G network?
Tele2 is retiring its 3G network to allocate more resources toward developing its 4G and 5G networks, which offer superior speed and reliability. The move is part of a broader industry trend to phase out legacy technologies.
2. When will the 3G shutdown start?
The 3G shutdown will begin in November 2025, with a phased rollout across different regions of Estonia, concluding by the end of the year.
3. What will happen to users who still have 3G-only devices?
Users with 3G-only devices will need to upgrade to newer 4G or 5G-capable devices to continue accessing mobile services after the 3G shutdown.
4. How does the 3G shutdown affect mobile data speeds?
The shutdown will free up spectrum for 4G and 5G services, leading to faster data speeds, better coverage, and reduced latency for users on these networks.
5. Are other telecom operators also shutting down their 3G networks?
Yes, Tele2’s competitors in Estonia, including Elisa and Telia, have already shut down their 3G networks. This is part of a broader global trend to phase out older mobile technologies.
