A1 switches off 3G network: What does that mean for your cell phones?

A1 switches off 3G network: What does that mean for your cell phones?

The mobile phone provider A1 has announced that it will be the last provider in Austria to switch off the 3G network. This decision not only affects Vienna and Lower Austria, where the shutdown has already been completed, but also Vorarlberg and Burgenland, which are the first federal states to be affected by this measure. How Cosmo reported, the shutdown of the 3G standard will take place gradually, and the planned shutdown in Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia and East Tyrol is scheduled for June 3, 2025. The 3G standard, which was introduced in 2002, enabled mobile data transfer rates of around 10 to 15 MBit/s and ensured the first nationwide mobile broadband coverage in Austria.

A1 invests around 500 million euros annually in expanding its network and has stated that it wants to use the freed-up frequencies of the 3G network for newer technologies such as 4G and 5G. The shutdown mainly affects older smartphones that do not have a 4G module and are at least eight years old. Users who have current smartphones and SIM cards should generally not experience any disadvantages as a result of the change.

Preparations for the power shutdown

However, customers should prepare for the changes. To use the faster 4G and 5G networks, both the mobile phone and the SIM card must be 4G capable. A1 notes that customers should check their SIM cards for 4G capability. SIM cards that start with “A56…” do not support 4G or 5G and therefore need to be replaced. This exchange can be applied for free online or carried out in A1 shops. Phone calls are still possible with older devices via the 2G network.

Users are also encouraged to check the compatibility of their SmartHome devices, which may communicate over the cellular network. Checking mobile phones for 4G capability is also recommended to ensure users can continue to benefit from the higher speeds in the future.

A look at the future of mobile technology

The mobile communications landscape in Austria is changing quickly. Similar to Germany, where the UMTS network was switched off in 2021, other providers in Austria are also planning to dismantle their 3G networks in the near future. According to the Consumer advice center Consumers should be aware that without 4G support they may experience slower mobile internet. Consumers in Germany also reported a growing range of LTE tariffs to better distribute network loads. Users are advised to avoid SIM cards or offers that do not provide access to new technologies such as 4G or 5G.

Overall, the shutdown of the 3G network in Austria and the switch to modern mobile communications technologies will play a central role in the future digital networking of the population. Users should take action now to update and review their devices and contracts accordingly so that they are not negatively affected by the network shutdown.