Orange Romania announces the gradual closure of the 3G network, starting from June 2024, a measure that will allow the company to focus its efforts on the development of 4G/5G networks, as well as other emerging technologies, which will ensure the needs of communication and Internet access for years to come following. Through this initiative, Orange aims to offer all its customers a better connectivity experience, and the spectrum and resources previously used by 3G will be redirected to 4G/LTE networks (including Low Power LTE-M, NB-IoT technologies) and 5G, significantly faster and more energy efficient than the technology they replace.
Launched more than 20 years ago, the use of the 3G network has declined significantly, with most customers choosing the benefits of the 4G/LTE network or the performance and speed offered by 5G. Currently, data traffic in the 3G network represents less than 3% of the total made in the Orange network, but the energy consumption generated by 3G is approximately 11% of the total of the entire network.
Together with customers in a better digital experience
The transition from 3G to the new networks will be made gradually starting from June 2024 and will end at the end of 2025. During this period, Orange customers who use 3G services will be informed and contacted by phone, email or SMS by the Orange support or by the dedicated Orange representative. Those currently using a 2G/3G device will still be able to use voice and SMS services over the 2G network, but in order to use the internet service they will need to replace the device with a 4G or 5G compatible one.
Therefore, the company’s actions during this interval will focus on informing customers and finding solutions adapted to their needs, especially for those using older devices, so that everyone remains connected to the Orange services they use, but also for to have enough time to adapt to these changes and discover the benefits of 4G/5G networks.
Customers who are still using the 3G network and do not benefit from the advantages of using the new 4G/5G technologies can also go to Orange stores throughout the country to have their SIM card checked and replaced with a 4G compatible one if necessary, but also to benefit from a wide range of 4G/5G compatible phones, with special prices and discounts on subscription renewal.
For Orange customers who already use the 4G/5G networks as well as the 4G Call service (VoLTE), the shutdown of the 3G network will not have any impact on the operation of their services.
Specific solutions for business customers
Orange Business will work closely with its customers to identify, from the range of current and emerging technologies, the best mobile voice, M2M & IoT connectivity solution based on their specific needs.
For business customers, M2M/IoT connectivity solutions using the 3G network will be able to connect to one of the 4G or 5G networks as long as the equipment used allows this, otherwise they will use the 2G network.
“For over 26 years our goal has remained the same – to offer our customers the best connectivity experience and easy access to the latest technologies. Guided by the same principles, our resources and investments will focus on improving and developing 4G and 5G networks, able to better meet current and future connectivity needs. Abandoning this technology will allow us to reduce the carbon footprint associated with our network, and with every 3G connection we close, we pave the way for a faster, more interconnected and more sustainable world,” said Ladislav Petenyi, Chief Technology & Information Officer, Orange Romania.
Shutting down 3G networks is a process that is already happening internationally, as telecom operators aim to better meet today’s connectivity needs while migrating to more efficient technologies with less impact on the environment.