THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to decommission 3G mobile networks across the country by the end of 2026 to free up spectrum and improve services by accelerating the transition to more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G.
In a draft memorandum circular titled “Decommissioning of Third Generation (3G) and Second Generation (2G) Mobile Network Services,” the NTC proposes the shutdown of all 3G and 2G mobile network services. The circular proposes a phased, area-specific approach to the shutdown, with a full nationwide switch-off to be completed no later than Dec. 31, 2026.
The NTC said public telecommunications entities (PTEs) must submit their technical transition plans within 60 days of the circular’s effectivity.
To minimize disruption and ensure inclusive access to telecommunications services following the decommissioning of 3G networks, the NTC said all PTEs shall iImplement subsidy schemes or installment plans for consumers currently using 3G only devices, offer free SIM upgrades to registered subscribers; establish a toll-free migration helplines and walk-in-centers across regions to provide a real-time assistance and technical guidance, and maintain an online portal for logging issues, receiving migration-related feedbacks and resolving complaints.
“In some jurisdictions worldwide, 3G services have already been decommissioned while retaining 2G services as low-power fallback to support voice calls and SMS features,” the NTC said.
The regulator added that frequencies currently assigned to 2G and 3G mobile technologies can be more efficiently utilized by modern technologies such as Fourth Generation (4G), Fifth Generation (5G), and the upcoming Sixth Generation (6G) technology, which are essential for reducing congestion and improving the availability and quality of mobile services.
The NTC also noted that 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G offer higher data throughput, lower latency, and improved spectral efficiency compared to 2G and 3G technology, enabling robust broadband services.
The NTC also said “the proliferation of illegal devices that impersonate a legitimate cell-phone tower (cell-site simulators/international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers) exploits the security vulnerabilities of legacy 2G and 3G mobile networks poses risks of communication interception, scamming, spoofing and other illicit activities.”
Pursuant to the technology neutrality principle under Republic Act 7925, the NTC said 3G band frequency assignments shall be used to support PTEs’ 4G, 5G, and future and emerging technologies for mobile technology deployment, subject to NTC permitting and licensing rules and regulations, and payment of appropriate fees and charges.
Meanwhile, the NTC said the decommissioning of 2G services should be implemented under a different schedule in recognition of the recommendations of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and N-Regional Development Committee for Mindanao to ensure the availability of basic communication services in areas still relying on 2G service.
“To complement the orderly decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks, the NTC shall issue a separate guideline addressing phase-out of mobile devices and equipment that are 2G and 3G capable,” it said.
