Mobile operator Three has said it can switch off its 3G network by the tip of 2024 as investment and customer usage shifts to 4G and 5G.
The network said 5G usage on its network greater than quadrupled last 12 months and has already surpassed 3G network use.
It said shutting down 3G would unencumber resources to enhance 4G connectivity and proceed its 5G rollout, with greater than £2 billion committed to the UK.
Three said the demand for more data continues to extend and rose to 19GB per 30 days per customer in December – an increase of 20% on the previous 12 months – meaning there’s a necessity to speculate in newer, faster and more efficient technology.
5G is considerably faster than previous generations of mobile connectivity and is in a position to deliver larger amounts of information faster.
The corporate said it expected 5G to account for 35% of information usage by the tip of this 12 months.
“3G kick-started the mobile revolution – and launched Three into the UK 20 years ago – but the longer term is undoubtedly 5G,” David Hennessy, Three UK’s chief technology officer, said.
“As we proceed to roll out our ultrafast connectivity, by not only upgrading our existing 4G sites but constructing latest 5G sites, we’ll be ready to change off our use of 3G across our network by the tip of 2024.
“Because the leader in 5G deployment and the fastest network as rated by Ookla, we’re focused on delivering our goal of providing higher connectivity, each day, for each customer.”
Three said it might work with customers with older 3G-only and other incompatible devices because the switch-off date approached to be sure that they stay connected.
Earlier this 12 months, Vodafone also announced that it might begin switching off its own 3G network in 2023.
