PH eyes 2G and 3G networks phaseout

The Philippines is about to be the only country offering these services.

File photo of a cell tower

Expanding allocation for 4G and 5G

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced plans to discontinue 2G and 3G services in the country.

See also: Smart reallocates 1800 MHz frequencies from 2G to 4G LTE nationwide

According to a PhilStar report, retiring these networks will allow for an increase in spectrum allocated for 4G and 5G users. This will also help accelerate the adoption of these more advanced networks among Filipinos.

The modification will start this year once the Konektadong Pinoy Act is signed into law, DICT said

The department estimates that 2G and 3G users account for only 15 percent of total mobile subscribers in the country. This number is enough to push through with the retirement.

It is important to undertake frequency refarming because in the world, the Philippines is close to becoming the only country still offering 2G and 3G. We have to retire them so that the frequency can be placed on 4G and 5G, the PhilStar report read, quoting DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.

The Konektadong Pinoy Act, which will relax investments in the telco industry, is waiting for the President’s signature.

Distributing the spectrum to new investors will also help the country cut internet costs by as much as 50 percent.

We don't want to reach the point where 6G is available here and we still have 2G and 3G. If we do all these efforts, we will become one of the cheapest internet connectivity in Southeast Asia, Aguda said.

Via: PhilStar