Malaysia is going to retire 3G mobile cellular network service. What should we need to pay attention to 3G termination?

A year ago, Malaysia government announced to terminate 3G network by 31st December 2021. 3G network switch off is implemented because many people are now using 4G network by owning smartphones. In addition, 3G goes irrelevant nowadays because it is inefficient and 3G doesn't provide faster internet speed as newer technology.

After hearing such news, I believe few people including myself will feel curious why doesn't government terminate 2G, instead of 3G. According to DiGi, the telco company states that a lot of M2M (Machine To Machine, not Norwegian pop duo) and IoT (Internet of Things) devices still need 2G network such as security and health equipment because they support 2G. Besides that, 2G is still important for emergency purpose. When certain remote areas are not covered by 4G while 3G is terminated, people can still communicate with 2G network by making calls and sending SMS (short message service). Communications are still backed up by 2G in case of emergency events.

Here are what should you need to pay attention over 3G network termination in Malaysia.

1. Existing 3G phones (example: Nokia N70 from 2005, and Lenovo A536) cannot be used to access internet. 3G phones after network termination by 31.12.2021 are only used to call out and send SMS with 2G network.

 

 

2. If you want to continue surfing with Internet on mobile phones, you need to have at least 4G network supported mobile phone.

 

3. To the people (especially some of the Golds) who don't know how to use smartphone, but they accustom with keypad phones (like Nokia), they can purchase 4G supported keypad phones like Nokia 6300 4G and 225 4G.

My suggestion over 4G coverage in Malaysia.

1. All telecommunication providers (Maxis, DiGi, Celcom, YES, U Mobile, Tune Talk, UniFi Mobile, XOX etc) must complete the 4G cellular network coverage rapidly by installing 4G network transmitters in every territory. Hence, people can access faster internet smoothly without interruption.

 

4G should be covering all territories in Malaysia before announcement of 3G retirement, instead of post-announcement of 3G termination.

2. All telcos must provide a stable and efficient 4G network service to the subscribers. Claiming itself as Malaysia's No.1 4G coverage and widest 4G coverage, but incompetent service (example: multiple times of downtime transmission service), this will damage the reputation of the telco.

3. After termination of 3G, those formerly 3G covered areas must be filled with 4G immediately.