The upcoming shutdown of 3G networks will render these phones obsolete next year

The Evolution of Telecommunications Technology

Technology is advancing rapidly, especially in the field of telecommunications.
Mobile phones are becoming increasingly powerful, and network connections are reaching new heights.
In just a few decades, we have gone from the first-generation mobile network to the fifth.
While the early generations are now obsolete, many devices still operate on 2G and 3G.

Goodbye to 3G Networks: What Devices Will No Longer Work?

By the end of 2025, 3G and older technologies will be dismantled to make way for 4G and 5G networks, which require higher frequencies.
This means that old phones that only support up to 3G will cease to function.
Vodafone and Tim have already announced the shutdown of their 3G networks, with Vodafone leading the way in Italy in February 2021, followed by Tim in October 2022.
WindTre and Iliad are yet to follow suit.

Vodafone has stated that it will continue monitoring its transmitters and the 3G switch-off is not expected before 2025.
While Iliad has not disclosed its plans yet, given its joint venture with WindTre in Italy, it is likely that Iliad’s 3G transmitters will also be switched off by 2025.

Why are 3G transmitters being shut down?

Most phones no longer use 3G networks, except for older models that do not support 4G technology.
Decommissioning these networks is necessary to free up frequencies for the new standards and enhance mobile internet networks.

Interestingly, 3G networks will be shut down first by 2025, followed by 2G networks by 2029 for industrial reasons.
Some devices, such as alarms, electric meters, and card payment terminals, still operate on 2G using M2M SIM cards, enabling machine-to-machine communication.
The 2G network, although slow, is robust and widely used, prompting the staged shutdown to allow industries time to upgrade their devices.

Obsolete Phones and Future Connectivity

Old phones limited to 3G or below will no longer be able to browse the internet unless using 2G, which will remain active until at least 2029.
However, the connection will be painfully slow, reminiscent of the old 56 Kbps analog modems.
Devices like the iPhone 4 or Samsung Galaxy S2/S3 will be restricted to calls or Wi-Fi browsing.
The alternative is to switch to a more modern phone supporting at least 4G.

If unsure whether your phone supports 4G, you can check by:

• Accessing the mobile network section in settings to look for 4G mode;
• Consulting the phone’s manual;
• Checking the connection indicator—if it displays 4G or VoLTE, your phone supports it.
  If it shows 2G, 3G, or E, it may not be enabled.