No problems observed in the functionality of emergency calls as a result of 3G shutdown

Traficom promotes efficient use of frequencies and takes into account the future frequency needs in its frequency planning. With the shutdown of 3G networks, frequencies are released for the more recent and more efficient 4G/5G technologies, which have greater capacity. Traficom is closely monitoring the impacts of the shutdown of 3G networks and the deployment of the frequencies released from 3G networks.

The functioning of emergency calls has been ensured in several ways

The functioning of emergency calls is not dependent on a single network technology and no problems have been detected in the functioning of emergency calls as a result of the shutdown of 3G. "You can make an emergency call even if your own telecommunications operator's network is not available. Your mobile phone will automatically search for a working network, which means that calls will also be connected to emergency services through another telecommunications operator's mobile network," explains Director Lasse Laine from Traficom. In addition, emergency calls can be made without a SIM card, ensuring access to help in all situations.

However, if an emergency call fails for one reason or another, you can make an emergency call by first switching off your mobile phone, then switching it on again and making the emergency call when the phone requests the security code or PIN code (a button for this on the passcode screen). It is also possible to make an emergency call from another person's mobile phone even if you do not know its security code or PIN code (there is a button for this on the passcode screen).

Devices that use mobile data should be updated to the new technology

Although 3G networks have been phased out, old devices such as fire alarms and burglar alarms that use the mobile network will automatically switch to 2G. The 2G network provides a basic reliable connection for these devices and its operation is guaranteed until the end of 2029. However, the data transmission capacity of the 2G network is smaller than that of 3G and users may notice this as a slower service.

"If you are using a device or a connection that uses only 2G/3G technology and it is used to transmit data amounts that 2G is not sufficient for, there may be problems. In that case, you should update the device and the network at least to 4G technology or, if you use the device in the coverage area of the 5G network, into 4G/5G technology," summarises Laine.

It is advisable to make sure that the new devices you begin to use will work in the 4G or 5G networks. The most up-to-date information about the coverage of the different networks is available from your own telecommunications operator. It is also advisable to have the VoLTE feature of the phone (Voice over LTE) in use in case disruptions occur in the 2G network.

According to Lasse Matilainen, Head of the Control Centre at the Emergency Response Centre Agency, the shutdown of 3G networks may affect the reliability of alarm devices when disruptions occur in the network. So far, no disruptions have been observed in the functioning of alarm devices.

"We recommend testing the fire and burglar alarm devices connected to the Emergency Response Centre Agency on a regular basis. Should there be any problems, they will be discovered through testing at the latest. If problems occur, the owner of the site should contact the alarm transfer operator of the device," Matilainen says.

Report coverage problems based on address

If your own telecommunications operator cannot solve the coverage problem, you should report the matter to Traficom. All contact requests from customers are processed on a case-by-case basis.

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