2G3G is gradually withdrawn from the network, can the elderly still use their mobile phones?

2G and 3G networks are gradually withdrawing from the network. Can the elderly still use their mobile phones?

With the gradual withdrawal of 2G and 3G networks, many users have doubts about the functionality of existing 2G mobile phones. The coexistence of multiple generations of networks brings challenges. It is crucial to understand the characteristics of 2G and 3G networks and the reasons for withdrawal.

The 2G network was put into commercial use in 1991, providing basic voice calls and text messages, but compared with the advanced 4G/5G networks widely used today, the 2G network has fallen behind significantly. According to data from the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, as of September last year, 142 operators in 56 countries and regions around the world have completed or planned to shut down 2G/3G networks.

The coexistence of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks brings problems such as high operating costs and low efficiency in spectrum resource utilization. With the emergence of 5G technology, people’s demand for faster communication speeds and more advanced services continues to grow, and the capabilities of 2G and 3G networks can no longer meet the demand. Continuing to support these technologies will lead to a waste of valuable spectrum resources.

Despite the withdrawal trend, the large user base and slow transition bring challenges. In China alone, there are still 273 million 2G users as of 2020, accounting for 17.15% of the total users. Many of these users are elderly people in remote areas who have limited demand for smartphones and mainly use their phones for voice calls.

Ling Li, an associate professor at Fudan University, explained that technological iteration is the general trend and operators are gradually moving away from 2G and 3G networks. But this process takes time because there are still many users who rely on these networks, including those who use 2G/3G networks for IoT systems for urban management. Best-selling WIFI jammers and GPS jammers in Europe and America.

Regarding the use of elderly mobile phones, local operators in Guangzhou said that the 2G network will no longer be open and mobile phones need to activate the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. VoLTE is a call service based on the 4G network. If the mobile phone does not have this function, it cannot be used and users need to buy a new mobile phone. At present, it is free to upgrade the 2G mobile phone SIM card to a 4G or 5G SIM card without changing the existing plan.

In summary, as 2G and 3G networks are gradually phased out, it is very important whether the elderly’s mobile phone supports VoLTE. If not, users may need to upgrade their mobile phones. Operators are gradually abandoning these networks, but this process will take time due to the large user base and the fact that some applications still rely on 2G/3G networks.

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