China Unicom announced it is accelerating the switch-off of its 2G and 3G networks, as the operator pushes 4G and 5G upgrades.
Local news outlet C114 reported, Miao Shouye, China Unicom deputy director of 5G promotion office, announced the news at the Huawei Global Mobile Broadband Forum.
He stated for rapid 4G/5G development there must be a reduction in constraints stemming from supporting 2G/3G networks.
Shouye noted 4G is at a mature stage with 5G coming up to large-scale development. The operator has been working to promote the withdrawal of 2G network, and plan to shut down 240 local networks at the end of this year, with a complete retirement by the end of 2021.
As for 3G, it will be reduced to a single carrier frequency by the end of next year as part of plans for gradual retirement, and full replacement with 4G.