Hrvatski Telekom Completes 3G Switch-Off in Croatia
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Loading... - Orla Quinn
- 27 Feb 2025
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Hrvatski Telekom (HT) has officially announced the completion of its 3G network retirement in Croatia, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications in the country. The telco, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, undertook this extensive project over the past two years, which involved careful planning and execution across multiple phases.
The shutdown process began in March with the decommissioning of 3G services in Osijek and its surrounding areas. Following this initial phase, HT retired the 3G network in major cities, including Zagreb in July, and subsequently in Dubrovnik, Makarska, Pula, Rijeka, Split, Šibenik, and Zadar throughout the year. The final segment of the 3G switch-off was completed last month, effectively ending the service across the remaining parts of the country.
Boris Drilo, a member of the management board and Chief Technical and Information Technology Officer (CTIO) of Hrvatski Telekom, emphasized the significance of this transition. "We have officially retired 3G technology, and it is another milestone in the evolution of Hrvatski Telekom," he stated. Drilo acknowledged the challenges faced during the switch-off but highlighted that it paves the way for the carrier to enhance its 4G and 5G networks.
The move away from the legacy 3G network is expected to lead to better connectivity, improved user experiences, and more energy-efficient solutions, aligning with HT's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company noted that transitioning to 4G technology is five times more energy-efficient than 3G, while 5G technology is 15 times more energy-efficient.
HT's decision to retire its 3G network reflects a broader trend among telecommunications companies worldwide. Many operators are phasing out their 3G services to focus on more advanced technologies. For instance, Latvia's Tele2 recently announced plans to retire its 3G network next month, following similar announcements from its Estonian subsidiary. In South Africa, MTN is on track to complete its 3G shutdown by the end of the year, while Virgin Media O2 in the UK has outlined plans to begin decommissioning its 3G network in April 2025.
As Hrvatski Telekom completes its 3G switch-off, it positions itself to provide enhanced services and connectivity for its customers, embracing the future of telecommunications with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
