TDRA announces 2G shutdown proceedings

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority announced that the 2G shutdown process in the UAE is proceeding as scheduled.

The shutdown of 2G networks, also known as GSM, in Etisalat and du networks is scheduled for the end of 2022. The sale of devices that provide 2G only will be stopped in June 2022 in the UAE markets.

The mission behind this process is to utilize the resources allocated to 2G to support new generations of mobile networks. The Authority is currently working, in cooperation with service providers, to provide the best services by building modern and advanced networks that meet the users’ current and future requirements.

TDRA indicated that this step comes in light of the increasing importance of the ICT sector, the rapid development of telecom technologies, and the need to direct all capabilities towards adopting and using the latest and best technologies, which contributes to achieving a comprehensive digital transformation that ensures the provision of best smart services.

This step reflects the rapid development of the ICT sector, in which mobile networks play a major role, as the technology lifecycle includes the disappearance of an old technology when a new technology emerges, driving telecom companies to shut down the least effective networks to allow the operation and activation of the most effective ones.

The activation of 2G mobile network (GSM) in the UAE dates back to 1994, and it is still active to date, despite the succession of generations until 5G, of which the UAE was a leading country in its application through a comprehensive strategy and a clear roadmap.

News Source: Emirates News Agency