In Ukraine, a deadline has been set for the shutdown of 3G
The outdated 3G is planned to be completely turned off after the successful launch of pilot 5G in several cities of Ukraine – the shutdown is expected by January 1, 2031.
This was stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by Stanislav Pribitko, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for the Development of Digital Infrastructure.
Also read: Which city will get 5G next: the Ministry of Digital Transformation reveals plans for network expansion
In response to the question of when Ukraine will finally turn off 2G and 3G, and whether 4G will face the same fate after the successful scaling of 5G technology, Pribitko said that “the shutdown of 3G is not a unique process for Ukraine, but a technological trend.”
He explained that around the world, operators are gradually abandoning 3G, as this technology is already considered outdated: it uses resources less efficiently and cannot provide the speeds and quality of connection that users expect today.
Instead, the same frequencies are being reconfigured for 4G, which allows for increased speed, reduced latency, and improved connection stability.
A deadline has been set for the shutdown of 3G in Ukraine (Infographic RBC-Ukraine)
“We have agreed with operators on a clear deadline: 3G will be completely turned off by January 1, 2031. We have established such a long transition period specifically so that this transition is completely unnoticed by you. Moreover, 5G does not mean that 4G will disappear. On the contrary, 4G serves as the foundation for the deployment of 5G,” the deputy minister said.
What is 3G
It is the third generation of mobile communication, which allows users to make phone calls, send messages, and use the internet on smartphones.
It provides relatively low data transfer speeds compared to modern 4G and 5G.
With 3G, users can watch videos, use social networks, and exchange files, but the network transmits large volumes of data more slowly.
This technology is now considered outdated and is gradually being phased out worldwide.
Testing 5G in Ukraine
In May 2024, 5G was launched in Ukraine for the first time in test mode.
The new technology provides high data transfer speeds, allowing for remote control of precise equipment, more effective weather research, and coordination of thousands of vehicles.
5G opens up new opportunities for both civilian and military use.
Lviv was the first city for the pilot launch of 5G, followed by testing in Kharkiv and Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, with Kyiv being the next city, Stanislav Pribitko reported in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
