Nadine Dorries, a culture secretary, has announced that 2G and 3G networks will be suspended from use by 2033 in the UK. This step was taken as part of government measures in order to increase the security of telecoms’ supply chains. In her words, in that way, the country will free up “space” for 5G and some other future network technologies.
Dorries explained that the move would support a smoother transition to faster mobile networks. It would make it easier for all the new suppliers to enter the market.
The government pointed out the most significant one is that will make it simpler to run networks as operators do not have to deal with the challenges which can arise from running up to four networks. Dorries explained:
“5G technology is already revolutionizing people’s lives and businesses – connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive. Today we are announcing a further £50m to put the UK at the forefront of mobile connectivity and to make sure our telecoms networks are secure now and in the future.”
She, also, announced her future meeting with the US Secretary for Commerce Gina Raimondo which has an aim to “strengthen our ties on technology”.
The director of industry body Mobile UK, Hamish MacLeod expressed his opinion by explaining that switching off 2G and 3G will enable operators to transition fully to more energy-efficient and high-capacity networks to the benefit of customers.