du, the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, as directed by the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced that the 2G network, commonly known as the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), will be taken down by the end of 2022.
In accordance with the decision, du has directed resources to upgrade to 5G support. The move is intended to keep up with mobile digitalization while also improving the overall experience for users.
Customers who are currently using 2G devices will need to upgrade to 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile devices after 2G services are shut down. Upgrading devices will enable high-definition voice quality, high-speed data connections, and faster browsing and downloading speed on the internet. Users who are currently using a 3G device on a 2G network can adjust their settings to 3G to prevent service interruptions and continue to use their devices normally.
Mobile phones available at all du stores and e-shop are 3G, 4G and 5G ready. The company said users can visit its website to learn more about the 2G shutdown and how to upgrade devices. Earlier this month, Etisalat also revealed its plans to support the 2G switch off and assured all its users that it will continue to support the network’s transition and modernization.
Switching off 2G networks is intended to respond to the telecommunication sector’s rapid and constant expansion, particularly in the digital arena. 2G networks’ frequencies and bandwidth are reassigned to more advanced networks.
The company is now working with all business sectors that still use the 2G network for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, such as industrial, vehicle-tracking devices, gateways, and point-of-sale devices (POS). Offers are made to upgrade and replace those devices to support the 4G network and the LTE CATM1 IoT Network, which will improve operational efficiency by reducing network latency and improving connectivity.
