Last June, the government announced plans to retire 3G and 2G networks. Now, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing ahead with the shutdown of outdated mobile services. By September 30, all 3G networks in the Philippines will be fully phased out.
DITO and Globe have already completed their shutdowns. Smart Communications is expected to follow by the end of the month.
DICT says the move will help reduce mobile scams and hacking. Older networks like 2G and 3G are often targeted by tools called IMSI catchers. These devices can steal personal data from phones. Removing these networks should make online transactions safer, especially during the holiday season.
Globe and Smart are now working with DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to begin shutting theirs down. DITO does not operate a 2G network.
Also Read: Smart reallocates 3G resources to boost 5G capacity nationwide
DICT and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) also met with telcos and social media platforms to discuss ways to fight online crimes, including misinformation, illegal sales, and child exploitation.
Stay tuned for more updates.
