3G network shutdown in Lithuania: what you need to know

In Lithuania, as in the rest of the world, mobile operators intend to abandon 3G technology, as it is being successfully replaced by the newer generation of 4G and 5G technologies. This process will gradually begin in our country in 2022, so mobile users should already pay attention to the mobile devices they use, their interfaces with 3G technology.

Why 3G networks are being shut down?

In Lithuania, the era of 3G technology has begun since 2006, with advantages over the previous 2G: the provision of video calling, higher data rates, and voice over Internet Protocol (IP) services. Later, 4G, 5G joined the mobile family, which substantially improved 3G technology, significantly higher data transfer rates and range of services. “Naturally, with the advancement of technology, it is time for older technologies to move away, as the new generation of solutions that replace them provide much broader and more attractive functions that meet the needs of consumers and industry,” says RRT’s Director of Radio Communications, Dr. Ričardas Budavičius. “Therefore, in order to make more efficient use of limited electronic communications resources, more and more countries are deciding to disconnect previous generation networks (2G, 3G) and use the freed up resources for new, more efficient technologies.”

What will happen after 3G shutdown?

All users whose mobile phones and devices support 4G (5G) network will not feel any difference. Owners of older model mobile phones and devices will be able to make and receive calls and write short messages (SMS), but the quality and availability of data transmission (mobile Internet) service will significantly decrease. Disabling 3G networks will not affect 112 emergency services.

When will 3G be shut down?

In Lithuania, the shutdown of 3G networks will start in 2022. As the disconnection is initiated and carried out by the mobile operators themselves, the exact disconnection dates should be sought from your operator. Operators inform RRT about their preliminary plans to disable the 3G connection, and consult on the possible consequences for certain user groups. Information available to RRT on planned 3G shut down dates:

– Telia Lietuva, AB – from 15 March 2022. More information is posted here.

– UAB Bitė Lietuva – information has not yet been provided.

– UAB Tele2 – information has not yet been provided.

What to do if you have a 3G device

Mobile operators no later than 1 month in advance must notify its users of the disabling of the 3G service (by email, message or otherwise) and provide full information on what to do if the user’s device does not support other technologies.

Will the shutdown of 3G affect only phones?

There are many devices that use this technology, e.g. some electronic readers, children’s portable devices, alarm systems, personal alarm devices, various other Internet of Things devices based on 3G. Therefore, if you use such devices, contact your operator to make sure that your devices operate in the correct technology mode.

How 2G and 3G shutdowns are taking place in other states?

3G and 2G shutdown processes are taking place in many parts of Europe and the world. Often 3G networks are shut down earlier than 2G. This is because in the national market of many countries, many M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions are still based on GSM, i. e. 2G network operation. Below are the shutdown dates for the old generation (2G, 3G) networks in some European countries:

Source: GSMA data of the GSM Association of Operators, https://www.gsma.com/

Updated on 2022-03-01