UMTS must give way to the new 5G standard
5G is a new mobile radio standard in Germany. During this process, the old 3G network will also be shut down. Vodafone, when can O2 and Telekom unplug? Who is affected, what should you do if the worst becomes the worst? Netzwelt tells you.
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Why turn off the 3G function of 5G?
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When will 3G close?
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Therefore, you check if you are affected by the UMTS shutdown
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What if I do n’t have an LTE contract / LTE phone?
As part of the 5G expansion, UMTS or 3G networks will also be shut down in Germany. Mobile phone providers' plans in this regard have become increasingly specific. We will tell you why this is happening, when your provider shuts down the UMTS network, how to check whether you are affected and the measures you must take if necessary.
Why turn off the 3G function of 5G?
One of the reasons is that the Federal Network Agency (Federal Network Agency) stipulates that by 2020, 98% of US home mobile phones must be guaranteed at least 50 megabits per second (Mbit / s). By the end of 2022, it should even be 100 Mbit / s. Even with the best 3G technology (HSPA +), the maximum rate can reach 42 Mbit / s. However, the average is below 10 Mbit / s.
The frequency occupied by UMTS should be changed to 4G and 5G. In addition, because LTE is faster and more extensive, the 3G standard is now obsolete. With VoLTE, you can even make calls via 4G. 2G still exists, used for calls and SMS.
When will 3G close?
When does the provider unplug the UMTS network? Every network operator can decide for himself! Below you can find an overview of the plans of the top three German suppliers.
3G off: this is what o2 says
In December 2019, O2 introduced the network expansion strategy to investors. As part of the demonstration, the mobile operator also gave the time to turn off 3G. The provider plans to shut down the country's 3G network as early as 2022.
In principle, all customers in the O2 network can already access LTE through providers such as Aldi Talk or Blau. If the amount of data is limited, they will continue to browse the LTE network.
3G shutdown: This is what Telekom said
Since 2017, the Telekom contract stipulates that UMTS coverage will only be guaranteed until December 31, 2020. However, the provider reserves the right to extend it. There is no exact date for Telekom to shut down. For example, a press release on the expansion of 5G in Germany in April 2020 stated that the 3G network will still be available temporarily.
All third-party providers in the telecommunications network can use LTE. Most of their customers can use LTE for free, but sometimes charge extra.
3G off: This is what Vodafone says
Vodafone is the first network operator in Germany to announce a specific date for closing the 3G network! It was June 30, 2021. Anyone who does not yet have an LTE compatible SIM card should get the corresponding model for free. In addition, Vodafone also hopes to provide appropriate hardware for users who do not already have LTE-compatible mobile phones.
Therefore, you check if you are affected by the UMTS shutdown
UMTS deactivation usually affects people with prepaid contracts or discounts offered by discounters. Some of them cannot access the LTE network. According to the annual report of the Federal Network Agency, as of the end of 2019, the proportion of SIM cards that do not support LTE is still 45%, or 48 million.
Even owners of smartphones that do not support LTE (pre-2013 models) can only access the mobile Internet to a limited extent after turning off the power. If you are not sure whether your phone supports LTE, you can use AIDA64 to check under "Network".
What if I do n’t have an LTE contract / LTE phone?
If you cannot access the LTE network using the current rate, you have no choice but to change the rate and even change the provider. If your phone supports up to 3G, you must also purchase a new phone. Network operators recommend this even for those who only want to make phone calls with mobile phones, because LTE can provide higher voice quality.
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