Schedule published: This is how the Finnish Shared Network’s 3G network will be shut down in eastern and northern Finland in 2024 – at the same time 4G connections will improve

”The 3G network accounts for only 1% of all the mobile data traffic in the Shared Network”, tells Sami Siiki, the CEO of the Finnish Shared Network.

”The shutdown of the 3G network is part of a continuous change in networks and technologies, whereby older connections are being replaced by newer ones. The newer 4G and 5G networks respond better to the increased use of mobile connections and to user needs, both in terms of capacity and network features. The 3G network shutdown also frees up frequencies for newer networks, which will quickly improve the user experience of the 4G network in particular”, Siiki continues.

The Finnish Shared Network’s 5G construction has progressed well, and the 5G network will be completed by the end of 2024. The 2G network, on the other hand, will continue to be used for the time being. Its further schedule will be determined by authorities in an interim review that is under way.

It is important to ensure the operation of an old device

”Now is a good time to make sure that your device supports 4G or 5G technology. Almost all mobile devices that are not compatible with 4G are very old models, typically at least 6–10 years old. If you can see the 4G icon on the device, you can assume it is 4G compatible. You can usually find this information also online based on the device’s serial number”, Siiki mentions.

In practice, the 3G network shutdown affects only those devices and services that operate solely in the 3G network. Old devices that do not support 4G or 5G will start using the 2G network after the 3G network has been shut down. This will probably mean a considerable decrease in data transfer speed. However, this is not necessarily significant for devices that transfer very little data, such as trail cameras.

If the device supports VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, calls will continue to be made over the 4G network. If the phone does not support VoLTE, calls will be transferred to the 2G network after the 3G network has been shut down.

”Mobile devices and subscriptions should be updated to newer models to ensure that their use and, for example, making digital transactions will continue to be convenient and easy also in the future”, Siiki states.

DNA and Telia shut down also their own 3G networks

DNA and Telia, who own the Finnish Shared Network, have already earlier announced the shutdown of their own 3G networks during 2023–2024. The shutdown has already begun in certain individual areas. DNA and Telia have informed their private and corporate customers about the 3G closure, and most of them have already started using 4G or 5G subscriptions. DNA’s and Telia’s private and corporate customers can check their subscription details through DNA’s and Telia’s own services.

You can find more information at DNA’s and Telia’s websites (www.dna.fi/3g and www.telia.fi/3G).

Schedule: This is how the Shared Network’s 3G network will be shut down in 2024

At the earliest in January-March 2024:

• Kouvola city centre, Peltola and Valkeala
• Kausala and Koria with their surrounding areas

At the earliest in April-June 2024:

• Kymenlaakso region
• South Karelia
• Southern Savonia
• North Karelia
• Southern parts of Northern Savonia

At the earliest in July-September 2024:

• Northern parts of Northern Savonia
• Kainuu region
• Northern Ostrobothnia
• Kemi-Tornio region

At the earliest in October-December 2024:

• Lapland, excl. Kemi-Tornio region

The Finnish Shared Network will provide more details about the 3G network shutdown schedule closer to the shutdown dates.

Media enquiries:

• DNA’s Communications, tel. +358 44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi
• Telia Press Office, tel. +358 20 405 4000, communications-fi@telia.fi
• DNA’s 3G network shutdown: www.dna.fi/3g
• Telia’s 3G network shutdown: www.telia.fi/3g