Mobile operators will start shutting down their 3G networks this year. But Ukrainians should not worry
4 January 09:28
Mobile operators will start shutting down their 3G networks this year to make room for 4G and provide faster and better services. This was reported by the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
The commission said that it seeks to ensure fair treatment of customers during this process, so it made sure that mobile operators will provide maximum information and favorable offers for subscribers when switching from 3G to 4G.
The regulator assures that mobile operators will notify customers before switching off 3G in a particular region and that if a subscriber’s phone already supports 4G, no action is required. If your smartphone does not support 4G/LTE, you should consider replacing it with a more modern device. This will allow you to stay connected and use the mobile Internet without restrictions.
The commission also reassures that the disconnection of 3G will not affect the ability to make calls, send SMS or use other basic services. However, for high-speed Internet, it is worth switching to 4G now to avoid inconveniences in the future.
How to upgrade to 4G
If the subscriber has an Android smartphone, you need to:
1. Open “Settings”
2. Go to the “Connections” or “Networks” section
3. Select “Mobile networks”
4. Find the “Network type” or “Network mode” settings
5. Set the mode to “4G” or “LTE”
For iOS smartphones, the following algorithm of actions:
1. Open “Settings”
2. Go to the “Cellular data” section
3. Activate Cellular data and the device will automatically connect to an available network.
This year, Ukrainians will get to know 5G better
on November 1, 2024, the government adopted amendments to the resolution on the use of radio frequencies, which allow the launch of 5G.
According to the Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, the compatibility of 5G with military equipment is to be tested in three Ukrainian cities. The pilot project will last 2 years and will take place in two stages. During the tests, the NCCC and the Ukrainian State Center for Radio Frequencies will check whether 5G equipment does not affect the operation of military networks.
This is one of the key steps towards the full launch of 5G in Ukraine, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
The resolution will also provide more flexibility for operators – 2100 MHz frequencies can now be used not only for 3G, but also for 2G or 4G technologies. And the termination of the use of 694-862 MHz frequencies for analog and digital television will free them up for mobile communications.
The first 5G tests are scheduled for Lviv in the summer of 2025. If the equipment does not affect the work of the military, the project will be scaled up to Kyiv and Odesa.
Although, to be precise, the first test took place in May last year.
Vodafone has already tested 5G
The Promprylad Innovation Center in Ivano-Frankivsk, Vodafone’s office in Kyiv, and Nokia’s office in Helsinki made a 5G call to check the quality of the connection. “Everything worked,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.
As the minister explained, 5G is capable of transmitting data 10 times faster than 4G, so it creates new opportunities for exchanging large amounts of information at ultra-high speeds.
According to Mykhailo Fedorov, 5G is currently available in more than 90 countries and Ukraine needs to develop innovations and catch up with the world, even despite the full-scale war.
