Written by Andrew Wooden
UK operator VMO2 will begin the process of switching off 3G services in 2025, which it says will enable it to expand and upgrade its 4G and 5G footprint and save some energy.
3G services will be turned off in phases across the UK, a process which the operator expects to be complete by the end of 2025. VMO2 estimates last year 3G – which launched two decades ago – accounted for less than 4% of all data on its network last year.
2G will be switched off by 2033, but will remain in place to carry calls and texts while the 3G switch off is carried out.
Taking older 3G equipment off the grid will mean mobile spectrum can be reallocated to 4G and 5G services, which as well as being better services are also much more energy efficient, especially 5G.
This of course slots in neatly with company’s various net zero pledges. Apparently that 4% proportion of overall data traffic accounts for 11% of the company’s total energy consumption. 4G and 5G account for 96% of mobile network data traffic, are 10 times more efficient, claims the release.
