Claro Colombia has announced it will fully dismantle its 2G network by December this year to divert resources to 4G, and is urging customers to trade in their old devices to maintain their services next year.
In a translated statement, the America Movil-owned operator has called for customers from Aguachica, Armenia, Buenaventura, Duitama and Zipaquirá to trade in for 4G devices. From January 2023, 2G mobile phones will not be supported by the Claro network.
Claro Colombia corporate director of regulatory affairs Santiago Pardo said the shutdown is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Colombia’s telecoms industry. The 2G takedown will then free up resources for Claro to upgrade its 4G network and prepare for an eventual 5G launch.
Claro talked up the benefits of 4G and 4.5G technology such as quality voice calls, navigational services and internet connectivity.
Currently, Claro connects 1,098 municipalities in 32 districts after deploying 4G infrastructure to over 210 rural towns in 23 districts. The company is aiming to bring 4G coverage to 1,348 locations for the first time.