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b4u2
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Is o2 rolling out 2g & 3g in the UK? 

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pgn
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2G is probably in decline now, 3G as well (German Deutsche Telekom got rid of their last 3G transmitter last year), and 4G is the 'norm' - the rollout at this time is 5G, @b4u2 - why do you ask?

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madasaf1sh
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2G is very old technology and so is 3G,  2G will stay as its used by IOT devices as part of LPWANs

 

3G from this June on some networks is starting to be turned off, so it is safe to assume o2 will turn it off in the next couple of years as well. 

- Xperia 1V - o2 and Spusu
- Pixel 8 Pro - o2 and Vodafone UK
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b4u2
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@pgn 

asking because my phone is basic and only capable of 3g so don't want to have to get rid of it.

do you understand my concern?

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b4u2
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@madasaf1sh 

How is it possible that 2g will stay and 3g will go?

it doesn't make any sense!

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pgn
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Well, it's all to do with holehinhthehwall machines, or ATMs, which extensively used the 2G network. 3G goes to free up wavebands for 5G. That's how I understand it, anyway. Guide: What is 2G, 3G, and 4G? may help.

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pgn
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madasaf1sh
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2G is low bandwidth and High reach, and can run on limited power, as well as it is the base for all GSM Technologies, and even 4G runs on some of the 2G bands such as 1800mhz and 900mhz 

 

3G is a power drain, and hence the new (Internet of Things) run on a LTE (4G) technology called LTE-M which is for low powered devices. 

 

There is another reason, space on the masts is at a premium, and removing 3G radios will enable the networks to deploy 4G and 5G (and coming soon 6G in about 5years) radio and microwave links to provide  better coverage. 

 

@pgn has pointed to some excellent articles 

 

3G is dead long live 2G slight_smile 

- Xperia 1V - o2 and Spusu
- Pixel 8 Pro - o2 and Vodafone UK
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pgn
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And more on the topic of re-purposing frequencies here today, including the phrase "2G will be the last to go, as it still has some key uses":

Ofcom UK to Let O2 and Vodafone Use Existing Bands for 5G - ISPreview UK https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2022/05/ofcom-uk-to-let-o2-and-vodafone-use-existing-bands-for... 

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