Second and third generation mobile networks – 2G and 3G – are currently being switched off all over the world.
In Sweden, the plan was that by the end of next year there would only be 4G and 5G, but now Telia has postponed shutting down its 2G network until 2027.
READ MORE: Then Telia’s mobile network stops working – postponing the closure
Expansion of a 5-G mast in Nyköping. Photo: Jessica Gow/TTIt happens when 2G and 3G shut down
But what does it mean that 2G and 3G are being shut down? A lot for those of you who don’t have the latest in technology.
If you have an old mobile phone, it will no longer be possible to use it when the network is discontinued.
In addition to mobile phones, it is mainly older technology that you may not buy new as often that risk stopping working, such as alarms, robotic lawnmowers and heat pumps.
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PTS and the Swedish Consumer Agency’s requirements – when the mobile networks are switched off
In a joint letter, the Swedish Post and Telecommunications Agency, PTS, and the Swedish Consumer Agency have came out with a series of measures that they consider important for the mobile networks to be shut down in a “responsible way”.
The directors general of both authorities write in it Dan Sjöblom (PTS) and Cecilia Tisell (Consumer Agency):
“The technological shift is important for society as a whole. We therefore expect the technology shift to take place in a controlled manner, with clear timetables and in a responsible manner with sensitivity to the user groups affected”
Both authorities point out that it is important that the mobile operators inform their customers about the decommissioning of the mobile networks, and that this is done in good time.
PTS and the Consumer Agency also write that retailers of technology products must inform that a product only works with 2G and 3G networks, and if this is not done, the buyer must be able to demand the money back.
READ MORE: The closure of the 2G network is paused – for the sake of the cars