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

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

Österreich - The mobile operator A1 has announced that the 3G network is the last provider in Austria. This decision does not only affect Vienna and Lower Austria, where the shutdown has already been completed, but also Vorarlberg and Burgenland, which are the first federal states affected by this measure. As Kosmo , the 3G standard is switched off, and the planned shutdown in Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia and East Tyrol is planned 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 supply in Austria.

A1 invests around 500 million euros annually in the expansion of its network and has declared that it wants to use the freely freedom 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 usually not experience any disadvantages through the changeover.

preparations for the network shutdown

customers should prepare for the changes. Both the mobile phone and the SIM card 4G must be capable of using the faster 4G and 5G networks. A1 points out that customers should check their Sim cards for 4G ability. SIM cards that start with "A56 ..." do not support 4G or 5G and therefore have to be replaced. This exchange can be applied for free of charge or carried out in A1 shops. Telephone calls are still possible with older devices via the 2G network.

users are also asked to check the compatibility of your smart home devices that may communicate via the mobile network. A review of the mobile phones for 4G ability is also recommended to ensure that users can continue to benefit from the higher speeds in the future.

A look at the future of mobile phone technology

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

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