Press Releases

Budapest, June 13, 2022 09:00

The disconnection of Magyar Telekom's 3G network is progressing according to plans, and the network will no longer be available anywhere from 1 July. Of course, customers will not be left without service after that: the 4G network, which has nearly nationwide coverage and offers a better customer experience than previous technologies, continues to be available to customers for both voice and data traffic. Voice traffic for customers with max. 3G capable devices can be taken over by the existing 2G network. Telekom has notified the most affected customers of the changes via SMS on several occasions, and also helped them get information through a website.

Telekom notifies its customers who may be most affected by the change via SMS in several rounds: those who have recently used mobile internet on the 3G network and would not be able to reach it after the disconnection, and who, due to their device settings, old SIM cards or use of a device with max. 3G capability, would not be able to access Telekom's mobile internet service. In addition, Telekom has set up a website to provide practical information to help customers determine if they are affected by the technology change. The website allows customers to check if their device and SIM card are 4G and 5G capable, and what network they are connected to. They will then be instructed to make the necessary changes to their device settings (for example, do not allow the device to use only the 3G network). Old SIM cards are replaced free of charge in Telekom stores or by courier delivery if requested online. The service provider recommends that you check the settings on your device, and you should also consider devices that are often used by older family members.

“It is important for us to keep our customers informed about the changes resulting from the disconnection of the 3G network and to provide them with practical help to access all the services they want after the technology change. We are confident that the transition from 3G to 4G / 5G mobile technology will bring tangible benefits to everyone, be it in terms of mobile net speed or overall service quality, ”said Katalin Méry, Magyar Telekom's Customer Service Director.

Magyar Telekom has also joined the NMHH (National Media and Communications Authority) mobile device replacement support program, so from February 14, the gross support of HUF 20,000 can be requested in Telekom stores for the replacement of an old 3G-capable mobile device with a 4G or 5G-capable device. From May 9th, 2G-enabled mobile phones can also be replaced as part of the program, which lasts until the budget runs out or until July 17th. More information about the program on Telekom's website: Netre Fel! NMHH-program. On the NMHH website: Netre Fel!

About the background of disconnecting the 3G network

Telekom strives to always offer its customers the most up-to-date services, and to ensure this, it continuously develops its fixed and mobile networks. Given the nearly full nationwide coverage and good quality of its 4G mobile network, the service provider has decided to disconnect the 3G network, which will no longer be available anywhere from July 1st. The environmental aspect cannot be neglected in the decision either: by simplifying the network, they save electricity, making the company even more environmentally friendly. In addition, it will be more efficient to use the bands released in the longer term for the more advanced 4G / 5G service, considering limited spectrum availability.

Following the disconnection of the 3G network, the nearly nationwide 4G network, which offers a better customer experience than previous technologies, will be available to customers for both voice and data traffic. The existing 2G network will be able to take over the voice traffic of customers with max. 3G capable devices, as by now only 2.3% of the total voice traffic in Telekom's customer base is managed by the 3G network. And the share of data traffic is even smaller, only 0.84%. A significant part of this is m2m traffic with small transmission demand, which will also be taken over by 2G. The number of customers with max. 3G capable devices is constantly declining.