- Gradual shut-down of COSMOTE’s 3G network starting in September 2021
- Freed-up spectrum to be used for 4G/4G+ and 5G networks
- Free replacement of obsolete SIM cards for subscribers who use only 3G data services and special discount for 3G devices replacement at COSMOTE and GERMANOS stores
After two decades of operation, the curtain is coming down on COSMOTE’s 3G network. COSMOTE 3G will gradually be phased out from September 2021 to the end of the year, and the freed-up spectrum will be used to further develop and extend the COSMOTE 4G/4G+ and COSMOTE 5G networks.
“
The gradual phase-out of COSMOTE 3G throughout the country will free up spectrum that is currently being used, increase the capacity of the network, and enable us to strengthen the 4G and 5G networks. Today, 3G technology – which was revolutionary just 20 years ago and ushered in the mobile internet age – is already considered outdated. This shows the speed at which technologies are changing and the need to constantly invest in networks. Responding to this need, COSMOTE was the first to bring 5G – the future of telecommunications – to Greece, and we are continuing to invest dynamically to make it available throughout the country,” said George Tsonis, the OTE Group’s Executive Director for Network Development & Operations.
The phase-out does not affect voice and messaging services (SMS), which will continue to be served normally. Data services, after the phase-out, will be supported by COSMOTE 4G, the
largest 4G network in Greece, with 99% population coverage, and by
COSMOTE 5G, the coverage of which is expected to surpass 50% by the end of 2021.
With 3G’s network shut down, access through COSMOTE mobile network will only be possible from 4G or 5G devices, with U-SIM technology cards. COSMOTE has taken care so that subscribers who currently use data services via 3G devices
[1] and have an older technology SIM card
[2] can replacing their SIM card, immediately and free of charge, at a COSMOTE or GERMANOS store. In the same places, subscribers also can check whether their device (smartphone/ tablet/ USB Stick) supports exclusively 3G services, and if they wish, they can replace it with a special discount
[3], choosing from a wide range of 4G and 5G devices. Subscribers can check their SIM card or device by calling 13888, for residential customers, or 13818, for business customers. More information on the phase-out of the 3G network is available on
the COSMOTE website.
5G is here, brought to you first by COSMOTE
COSMOTE’s 5G network is the largest in the country.
[4] Thanks to the company’s investments and its technicians’ intensive efforts, COSMOTE 5G population coverage
[5] in Athens and Thessaloniki now exceeds 90%, and COSMOTE 5G has now been activated in 17 cities throughout Greece. In some areas, maximum speeds exceed 1Gbps. Using the radio frequency spectrum it obtained in the relevant Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) tender process, COSMOTE will gradually extend COSMOTE 5G to more areas throughout the country, with the aim of surpassing 50% population coverage by the end of 2021.
With a
5G device certified on the COSMOTE network – and provided they are in an area covered by the COSMOTE 5G network – all COSMOTE residential and business subscribers can have access to the COSMOTE 5G network at no extra charge and regardless of their plan (contract, cost control, prepaid).
COSMOTE GIGASPEED NETWORK
The COSMOTE GIGASPEED NETWORK shapes the infrastructure that is leading Greece into the future. With state-of-the-art technologies, such as 5G and Fiber to the Home, the COSMOTE GIGASPEED NETWORK meets the needs of the new digital era, unleashing unlimited possibilities and helping create a better world, for all. Having committed to lead the digital transformation, OTE Group is the largest investor in new technologies and infrastructure in Greece. With approximately €5 billion in investment over the past decade and an investment plan of €2 billion for the current four-year period, it is building the infrastructure for the Gigabit Society.
[1] Subscribers will be able to use voice and SMS services via the 2G network, which will continue to operate.
[2] SIM cards that do not support the 4G network (non-usim).
[3] The special discount is valid for selected subscribers with 3G devices and they can only benefit from COSMOTE or GERMANOS stores. The operation of the stores, as well as subscribers’ transition to the stores is implemented according to the relevant instructions of the State.
[4] Based on published data on providers websites
[5] Outdoor Population Coverage
