Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced a milestone decision to shut down 3G networks by December 31, 2025. This move aims to enhance 4G LTE and 5G services across the nation. The CRA’s strategic plan is designed to improve telecommunication services’ quality and efficiency, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 to diversify the local economy and enhance growth prospects.
Under this directive, Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar must stop 3G services by the end of 2025. This decision allows the better optimization of radio spectrum resources, thus improving 4G and 5G performance. Consequently, telecom service providers can channel their investments into expanding and developing these advanced networks.
Additionally, the CRA has banned the import of mobile phones that support only 2G and 3G technologies. Only devices compatible with VoLTE and meeting required standards with type approval certificates from CRA will be approved. This ban aims to ensure that consumers get the best possible service, offering higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity to meet increasing mobile data demand.
According to GSMA Intelligence, Ooredoo Qatar had roughly 81,000 3G connections by June’s end, while Vodafone Qatar had about 10,800. In comparison, the total number of connections across all generations for both providers reached 2.7 million and 2.1 million, respectively.
This initiative follows a global trend where several countries have already phased out 3G services. The United States, Japan, and notably the U.K., where Vodafone and EE completed their 3G shutdowns, have transitioned to newer technologies. In Singapore, local mobile carriers are also progressing towards turning off 3G services.
