Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has set a definitive deadline for the phase-out of 3G networks across the country by December 31, 2025. This decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders and aims to refocus resources on enhancing 4G and 5G technologies.
The directive requires that both Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar discontinue their 3G services by the set deadline, a move that is part of a broader strategy to optimize the use of the radio spectrum. By reallocating these resources, Qatar intends to bolster the performance and reliability of its 4G (LTE4) and 5G networks.
This transition is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of Qatar’s telecommunications sector and support the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The vision outlines sustainable development goals that Qatar aims to achieve by the end of the decade.
The shutdown of 3G networks is a trend seen globally, with the US and Japan already having discontinued these services, and the UK following suit this year. Similarly, Singapore is scheduled to turn off 3G next month, while Vietnam plans a complete shutdown by September 2028.