Interesting video about impending 2G/3G shutdown in Oz

B. Diddy

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I like this techie YouTuber Hugh Jeffreys, who makes interesting videos about mobile devices focusing on repairability and sustainability. This recent video was particularly fascinating, discussing the impending shutdown of both 2G and 3G in Australia, and the implications for calling. The main issue is that with both 2G and 3G gone, phones will have to rely on VoLTE to make calls -- but VoLTE actually isn't a universal standard, so it's not a simple matter of "does my phone have VoLTE?" It may depend on the specific implementation of VoLTE that a carrier uses (some of them are proprietary), so a given phone might work on one carrier's VoLTE, but not another. Since most countries are also planning on sunsetting these older networks, it may be a preview of issues everyone will have to face at some point.

 

ironass

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Here, in the U.K., 3G is already being shut down and 2G will follow by 2033.

The switch off of 3G has not been without its problems with smart gas/electric meters as well as medical alert bracelets and pendants stopping working, amongst other things.

To compound things, the copper wire landline home phones are being closed down and switched to VoIP. Needless to say, that landline usage is declining in the U.K. in favour of mobile/cell phones where calls are cheaper or free on inclusive plans.
 

mustang7757

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Here, in the U.K., 3G is already being shut down and 2G will follow by 2033.

The switch off of 3G has not been without its problems with smart gas/electric meters as well as medical alert bracelets and pendants stopping working, amongst other things.

To compound things, the copper wire landline home phones are being closed down and switched to VoIP. Needless to say, that landline usage is declining in the U.K. in favour of mobile/cell phones where calls are cheaper or free on inclusive plans.
I'm surprised 2033 they will end 2g , do lot things depend on it in your region?
 

ironass

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I'm surprised 2033 they will end 2g , do lot things depend on it in your region?
One benefit of being a tiny island is that we have currently got pretty good 4G & 5G coverage...
  • "4G coverage
    According to Ofcom's 2023 Connected Nations report, 93% of the UK's landmass has 4G coverage from at least one operator.
    "

  • "5G coverage
    In September 2023, Ofcom estimated that 85 to 93% of UK premises could get 5G coverage outdoors from at least one operator.
    "

    In the next 8 years or so, this should increase to near 100% for 4G & 5G but this is not without its challenges, as detailed, here...

    Of the 4 U.K. carrier networks, EE/BT, Vodafone, O2 and Three, the latter does not support 2G & 3G already.