Wind Tre Announces Plans to Phase Out 3G Network by 2025

Italian telecommunications company Wind Tre has revealed its intention to decommission its 3G network by the end of next year, marking the initiation of the first phase of the transition.

The telco confirmed that it is commencing the process of switching off its 3G network, with the targeted completion date set for December 31, 2025.

According to Wind Tre, the initial phase of the switch-off will involve the dismantling of the 2,100 MHz band, a task expected to be carried out over the next two months. The reclaimed spectrum will be repurposed to enhance its 4G and 5G services.

Wind Tre emphasized that during this initial phase, 3G services will remain available nationwide on the 900 MHz band, alongside 2G services. This continuity of service is ensured for all users with devices compatible with 3G and 2G services on the 900 MHz band.

The telco disclosed that further details regarding the second phase of the switch-off will be announced later this year.

Earlier in the year, Wind Tre, owned by CK Hutchison, acquired assets from wholesale fixed wireless access (FWA) provider OpNet. These assets, including the 5G spectrum, will contribute to the expansion of Wind Tre’s 5G network.

In recent years, numerous telecommunications companies worldwide have phased out their legacy 2G and 3G networks. In the UK, both EE and Vodafone discontinued their 3G networks within days of each other.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Softbank is set to retire its 3G network this month, albeit with a slight delay due to a recent earthquake in the country.