That means, if you’re still holding onto your old Nokia phone, it might not work anymore.
2G and 3G networks are being phased out, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as part of its plan to reallocate signals to the more modern 4G and 5G networks. That way, there would be less lag to areas with weaker 4G or 5G signals and less energy and funds to spend by the government on maintaining outdated networks.
If ever you have a phone that still uses or relies on either 2G or 3G, then now is the time to upgrade to a new smartphone. You don’t even need to worry anymore as even budget phones nowadays can access 5G signals, like the ZTE Blade A75 5G that is exclusive to Smart or the TNT Phone. These are arguably the most affordable 5G phones anyone can purchase to date with their only real downside being locked to a particular network. Even then, phones from several brands like Xiaomi, Tecno, or even Samsung, have 5G-ready phones that do not break the bank.
Information Secretary Henry Aguda announced that less than 15% of Filipinos still use these outdated networks while the rest of the population now has access to 4G and 5G signals. This percentage is low enough to justify retirement and thus, phasing out of 2G and 3G networks would begin.
“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,” Aguda said.
Aguda also justified that phasing out 2G and 3G networks would make the internet much more affordable to access. The Philippines has one of the most expensive internet in Southeast Asia, which is about 1.5 times the cost in contrast to neighboring countries.
For this to initiate, Aguda is waiting for President Bongbong Marcos to sign the Konektadong Pinoy Act, allowing for other telecom players to join the market.
Source: Philstar
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