VodafoneZiggo Claims First in Vodafone Group with 3G Network Shutdown

According to the VodafoneZiggo it has now claimed a first in Vodafone group with the decision to phase out its 3G network in order to devote spectrum to 4G services. The company is shutting down 3G first rather than 2G because the GSM network is still used for M2M services. VodafoneZiggo Claims First in Vodafone Group with 3G Network Shutdown.

Recently that as many smart energy meters use the 2G network, Vodafone GSM network also supports TomTom’s navigation system HD Traffic.

VodafoneZiggo Claims First in Vodafone Group with 3G Network Shutdown

The operator plans a gradual shutdown of network in the period to 01 January 2020. It’s already transitioning 3G capacity in some locations with software adjustments. It will continue over next two years, so customers do not face a sharp cut off of services.

Spokesman Richard Mes told Telecompaper,

90 % of Vodafone data traffic in the Netherlands already goes over 4G network, as well as 30 percent of voice traffic. With fewer customers relying on 3G, the company decided to take that spectrum for boosting capacity where there is demand.

Further that customers will be informed over next two years over the plans for 3G and their alternatives for service. Vodafone wants to show them the advantages of switching to 4G, so customers make the choice for themselves.

However the company has already started refarming two of its five blocks of spectrum in the 2,100 MHz band for 4G, 3G coverage has not been affected. It also said the traffic patterns mean the operator could already refarm spectrum at half its sites.

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