Telstra shutting down 2G networks by end of 2016

scrimshaw on 24/07/2014 - 18:23
Last edited 24/07/2014 - 18:24

Telstra will close down its 2G network before the end of 2016, and is expected to reuse the spectrum for 4G technology once the network's existing customers are migrated onto 3G and 4G.

In a blog post titled "It's time to say goodbye old friend" (snippet below), Telstra's group managing director of networks Mike Wright said the 2G GSM network had been in place for more than 20 years and had been surpassed by newer technologies.

Telstra will spend the next two years moving its remaining 2G customers - including both wholesale and personal users - over to Telstra's newer networks.

Read more: http://www.itnews.com.au/News/390220,telstra-announces-closu…

Shortly we will start to contact customers who may be affected by the 2G closure to explain the changes and to provide them with their options. For Telstra Retail customers this may be simple, as many already have 3G phones but have not upgraded their SIM card. For others, they may need to change to a compatible 3G/4G handset.

For our wholesale customers, we will be in contact soon to discuss what this change means for you and how we will work with you to support transition from our 2G network

Sadface for recent buyers of Nokia 3310's

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Comments

  • thejew on 24/07/2014 - 19:55

    Shit!

  • mskeggs on 24/07/2014 - 20:10

    Considering a huge part of Telstra's customer base is elderly people who have worked out how to call on their old Nokia but can't be bothered with smartphones, this is a risky move. I wonder if Optus or Voda will decide to keep their own 2g going to catch those left behind.

    • scrimshaw on 24/07/2014 - 21:29
      +2

      2G-only cell phones aren't very common nowadays though and even Telstra's (ZTE made) senior phones nowadays operate at least on the 850mhz band (but falling back on 2G on areas with limited reception).

      Meanwhile Verizon in the USA is planning to drop CDMA in favour of pure LTE and sell LTE devices only.

      Which will be interesting — maybe in the future telcos will no longer distinguish between what is voice/text/internet usage, since everything is transffered via packet data.

      • mskeggs on 25/07/2014 - 07:38
        +1

        I understand, but I think Telstra is underestimating the number of people who will rather change SIMs to keep a phone they know how to use, in preference to keeping their business with Telstra and learning to use a new phone.
        I reckon half the people I know over 50yro have an old Nokia and don't want to change.

        • scrimshaw on 25/07/2014 - 14:53

          They're cutting 2G because they want to minimise costs, plus aging 2G equipment will have to be replaced someday. Makes perfect sense from a business point of view to cut costs and maximise profit.

  • tanksinatra on 24/07/2014 - 20:54

    The pressure's on to maximise mobile phone bandwidth. Its a finite resource and what little they have is very expensive. 4G is much more efficient, but it still can't yet carry calls.

    Telstra's been through this before. Remember the CDMA shutdown?

  • JordanM on 25/07/2014 - 02:16

    I dont have an issue with this, still use a Nokia 1800 though as a "creditme2u" phone I guess I will have to upgrade.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/07/2014 - 03:56

    I appreciated the nostalgia and other interest at play in the recent old-Nokia-phone deals posted on OzB (Nokia 33xx, etc).
    For the few people actually intending to use them day-to-day (to 'impress' their friends) or for those who were planning to chuck one in the boot of their car to use as an emergency phone, I did try and indicate in a comment that the telcos had been allowing the 2G infrastructure to remain in an increasing state of disrepair, pending closure.

    Of equal interest to the 2G closure is the announcement a few days ago of early commercial approval for the Telstra and Optus 700MHz-band 4G rollout, which is already up and running in Perth, Darwin and in a handful of rural areas.
    The lower frequency will better somewhat the distance and building-penetration capabilities of even the (remaining) 3G 850MHz and 900MHz services.

    Upshot is that if the 3G network somehow survives the 20yr+ life that the 2G network has spanned, I reckon that would make for the chalking-up of an even more amazing feat.

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