This Is The Fate Of The 3G Network In 2024, Are There Still Those Who Use It?

3G network news (photo: Doc. Pixabay)

JAKARTA Internet networks always experience developments, ranging from 1G with a maximum speed of 2.4 kbps to 5G with a maximum speed of 10 GB. In fact, the 6G network is currently being developed.

Although 5G is already available in Indonesia, this network has not been optimized properly due to infrastructure constraints. Therefore, many Indonesians still use the 4G network. At least, this network is much better than 3G.

The 3G network was popular and relied on during its time. This network also plays an important role in technological developments because it appeared in the 2000s to 2010s, precisely when smartphones began to appear and circulate in various parts of the world.

However, technology continues to develop rapidly so that the internet speed needed also increases. After the 4G network with Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology emerged, 3G began to be abandoned because it was deemed inadequate.

In 2022, the network will officially shut down by majority of US carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. The network was also forcibly suspended by the Taiwanese government in 2018, while some operators in Germany shut down 3G networks in 2021.

In Indonesia, 3G networks have also been suspended for a long time. Telkomsel removed this network last year after making a transition since March 2022. XL has also removed this network from its support list in July last year.

Indosat officially turned off the 3G signal in 2022. Meanwhile, Smartfren has turned off this network earlier than any other operator, which is since 2018. That way, 3G networks are no longer suitable for use at this time.

Although some operators still provide 3G signals, this network will find it difficult to run devices with entertainment applications such as TikTok, YouTube, or other social media with more sophisticated features and higher resolutions.