VodafoneZiggo has claimed a first in the Vodafone Group with the decision to phase out its 3G network in order to devote the spectrum to 4G services. The company is shutting down 3G first rather than 2G, because the GSM network is still used for M2M services, spokesman Richard Mes told Telecompaper.
For example, many smart energy meters use the 2G network. Vodafone's GSM network also supports TomTom's navigation system HD Traffic.
Mes said the operator plans a gradual shutdown of the network in the period to 01 January 2020. It's already transitioning 3G capacity in some locations with software adjustments. This will continue over the next two years, so customers do not face a sharp cut-off of services.
According to Mes, 90 percent of Vodafone's data traffic in the Netherlands already goes over the 4G network, as well as 30 percent of voice traffic. With fewer customers relying on 3G, the company decided to take that spectrum for boosting capacity where there is demand.
Customers will be informed over the next two years over the plans for 3G and their alternatives for service. Vodafone wants to show them the advantages of switching to 4G, so customers make the choice for themselves. This will include offering them a choice of 4G handsets.
The company has already started refarming two of its five blocks of spectrum in the 2,100 MHz band for 4G. 3G coverage has not been affected, only the capacity reduced. Mes said the traffic patterns mean the operator could already refarm spectrum at half its sites. The number of locations using the 2,1000 MHz band for LTE is expected to grow quickly in the coming year.
