Swedish telecommunications company Telia has announced that it will postpone the shutdown of its 2G network by two years, moving the date to 2027. Previously, the 2G network was slated for closure next year. This decision stems from the need to ensure a smooth transition for all users who still rely on this technology.

Impact on the Agricultural Sector

One of the main reasons for the delay is to protect the agricultural sector. Farmers have reported that shutting down the 2G network could severely disrupt the operation of key equipment, such as milking robots, irrigation systems, and tractor controls. For many farms, transitioning to newer technologies like 4G or 5G involves high costs and logistical challenges.

Importance for Alarm and Heating Systems

It’s not just agriculture that relies on 2G technology. Many alarm and heating systems also depend on this network. Premature shutdown could cause significant issues in the functioning of these systems, potentially leading to safety hazards and disruptions in heating supply.

Official Explanation from Telia

Staffan Åkesson, Telia’s CTO in Sweden, explains:

“The 2G network is currently almost unused, and many of our customers have already switched to newer technologies like 4G and 5G. However, to facilitate a smooth transition for everyone, we decided to postpone the 2G network shutdown.”

Ongoing 3G Network Shutdown

Despite the delay in shutting down the 2G network, Telia continues to shut down the 3G network as planned. This process has already begun and is set to be completed next year.

The Future of Mobile Technology in Sweden

Major mobile operators in Sweden, including Telia, previously announced plans to gradually shut down 2G and 3G networks. These actions aim to optimize network infrastructure and better utilize available resources for developing modern technologies like 5G.

However, Telia’s decision to delay the 2G network shutdown highlights the importance of considering the needs of all users, including those most dependent on older solutions, even in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Telia’s decision to delay the shutdown of the 2G network until 2027 is a step aimed at ensuring continuity for key sectors such as agriculture and security systems. This decision underscores the importance of a balanced approach to technology modernization, considering the needs of all users.

For the Swedish telecommunications market, decisions like this are crucial for a smooth transition to more advanced technologies while minimizing the risk of disruptions in key economic sectors.

Source: Telko.in

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