Kazakhstan to Shut Down 3G Networks Across the Country

Kazakhstani telecom operators have decided to gradually phase out 3G across the country. The freed-up frequencies will be reassigned to LTE networks to improve stability and handle growing mobile traffic, Orda.kz reports.

According to the press service of  Beeline Kazakhstan, radio frequencies used for mobile communications are a limited resource. While 2G, 3G, and LTE each operate within different parts of the spectrum, newer technologies use those frequencies more efficiently and can transmit significantly more data.

As a result, operators plan to discontinue 3G services and redirect those frequencies to LTE infrastructure.

For subscribers, this should mean more stable mobile internet, especially in places with high user density such as shopping malls, railway stations, stadiums, and densely populated urban areas,the company said.

However, the operator did not clarify how the transition would affect areas where 3G remains the primary form of mobile connectivity — particularly in rural Kazakhstan. In some regions, connection quality remains weak, and users still see the “E” indicator associated with slower mobile internet standards.

Most users with modern smartphones will not need to take any action. But subscribers whose devices or SIM cards do not support LTE may experience slower internet speeds or lose mobile internet access entirely, the operator warned. In such cases, customers will need to replace either their SIM card or device.

Original author: Elvira Ivannikova

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