this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2025
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268
Why most countries are struggling to shut down 2G. (restofworld.org)
submitted 3 days ago by Tea@programming.dev to c/technology@lemmy.world
77 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Global leap to 4G and 5G would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.

  • Telecom companies aim to profit from the 2G-to-5G transition as governments worldwide face pressure to free up mobile spectrum.
  • Vietnam is the latest country to shut down 2G by offering free 4G phones to the poor.
  • India and South Africa have expressed concern that the strategy would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.
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[–] madis@lemm.ee 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Well, they shouldn't turn it off any time soon, just like they don't turn off analog radio. TV is one I can understand where turning off old methods makes sense, because people upgrade their TVs and use IPTV/SatTV/cable TV much more likely anyway.

[–] Kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

just like they don’t turn off analog radio

Got bad news for you. They are starting in some places.

The Swiss public broadcaster shut down it's FM channels at the turn of 2024 to 2025, at the end of next year all of the others have to shut down as well. It's moving to DAB+ only, it's a big pain for older cars.

I've heard Norway is even further along that route than Switzerland.

[–] BeardedGingerWonder@feddit.uk 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

You update your TV more than your phone? I don't feel that's the regular way of things.

[–] EngineerGaming@feddit.nl 2 points 1 day ago

You don't have to upgrade the TV itself. If the TV cannot handle the new format on its own, external box is enough.

[–] madis@lemm.ee 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I meant like the elderly might still be using a dumb phone, but not a CRT screen or analog connection.