Virgin Media O2 will deactivate its 3G network in Durham by April 2025 as part of a UK-wide shutdown plan. Customers with outdated devices are urged to upgrade to maintain mobile services.
Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) will shut down 3G networks by December 31, 2025, to bolster 4G LTE and 5G services nationwide. This shift, part of Qatar National Vision 2030, aims to optimize spectrum resources, enhance telecommunication service quality, and drive economic diversification. VoIP users will enjoy improved connectivity and efficiency.
Vodafone UK embarks on a nationwide 3G shutdown, prioritizing modern 4G and 5G networks while retaining 2G for low-power IoT devices. As other UK telecom operators plan gradual phase-outs, industry experts debate the journey to meet the government’s coverage goals.
Telefonica Deutschland has comprehensive plans for a sweeping shut down of its 3G network starting in July, making it the last operator in Germany to phase out legacy technologies in favor of 4G and 5G. Approximately 16,000 3G sites are scheduled to be shut down by the company. The resources that were needed for 3G will now be repurposed for the 4G network by the end of the year. According to the operator, 4G will use the frequencies of current 3G transmitters at 2,100 MHz. This upgrade from 3G to 4G will benefit Telefónica Deutschland’s customers, as well as customers of its other brands, providing a better and faster network. A full upgrade of the first 500 3G sites will begin on July 1st. An additional 1000 sites will be repurposed two weeks later. The regions where the upgrade will begin are Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western…
Nokia’s collaboration with defense giant Leonardo marks a pivotal expansion of its private 4G and 5G capabilities, targeting critical industries like public safety and defense. This Europe-made solution features high-security, real-time communication, vital for rigorous industry demands.
M1 has launched Southeast Asia’s first 5G RedCap network services, enhancing its role in the 5G-Advanced arena by integrating existing IoT technologies with comprehensive 5G solutions. RedCap offers lower latency and extended battery life.
Five global tech leaders, led by Singapore University of Technology and Design, demonstrated a pioneering satellite-powered 5G network linking Singapore and Japan. This breakthrough proves the viability of space-based communication with terrestrial networks, paving the way for seamless global connectivity.
Vodafone and MediaTek have made a major breakthrough in 5G technology with uplink speeds hitting 277 Mbps in Madrid. This leap forward enhances video upload capabilities and cloud services, optimizing user experience. Their test leveraged carrier aggregation, MIMO antennas, and advanced chipsets.
Telefonica is selling Movistar Uruguay to Millicom for $440 million, continuing its retreat from Latin America to focus on European markets. The move follows recent exits from Colombia and Peru. Millicom, expanding its regional presence, plans to enhance Uruguay’s mobile infrastructure.
As the buzz around 6G grows, a pressing question emerges: Is 6G inevitable, and will it surpass 5G? While advancements in 5G dominate current efforts, the discourse on the transition’s timing and necessity is gaining momentum. Significant investments are being funneled into enhancing networks, potentially redefining VoIP solutions.
