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3G in Austria refers to the third-generation mobile communications technology that was in use in the country. The 3G network in Austria is being phased out, with the first UMTS frequencies being switched off in early 2023. This move towards network modernisation is due to the rapid expansion of 5G technology and the growing demands for faster internet speeds. Hutchison 3G Austria, the country's smallest mobile communications provider, has been offering free internet access to encourage competition and attract new customers. The company's packages start at 4 euros per month for 1 gigabyte of data with no minimum contract term.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of 3G in Austria | Being phased out |
| Reason for phase-out | 3G is outdated and less in use than the 2G network |
| Start of phase-out | February 2023 |
| Expected completion of phase-out | End of 2024 |
| Companies phasing out 3G | A1 Telekom Austria, Magenta (T-Mobile Austria), Drei, BOB |
| Alternative mobile communications technology | 2G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| Purpose of phase-out | To free up frequencies for network expansion of 4G/LTE and 5G |
| Impact on bandwidth | Maximum data rates limited to 220 kbit/s for download and 110 kbit/s for upload |
| Impact on users | Unspecified, but 3G/2G rules mentioned in sources from 2022 |
| Free Internet offer by Hutchison 3G | Free SIM cards with 20 MB of free data per day |
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What You'll Learn
3G/UMTS switch-off
The 3G/UMTS switch-off in Austria is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The process has already begun, with the first UMTS frequencies switched off in Carinthia and Salzburg in February 2023. By the end of 2024, 3G/UMTS will no longer be available across Austria.
The switch-off of 3G/UMTS is being carried out by mobile network operators to free up frequencies for the expansion of 4G/LTE and 5G networks. The rapid development and increasing demand for 5G technology have accelerated the need to phase out older network technologies.
The 3G switch-off is not unique to Austria, and several other European countries are also in the process of phasing out 2G and 3G networks. Switzerland, for example, completed its 2G shutdown in April 2021, and Germany switched off its 3G networks in 2021.
The 3G/UMTS switch-off will have some consequences for users, particularly those who use devices that do not support 4G/LTE or 5G. These users will be limited to the 2G network, which offers reduced voice quality and slower data rates. However, modern smartphones typically support 4G and 5G, so the impact is expected to be minimal for most users.
To prepare for the switch-off, mobile providers in Austria are conducting information campaigns to ensure that users are aware of the upcoming changes and can upgrade their devices if necessary. Magenta Telekom, for instance, is advising customers with older phones to switch to newer 4G/LTE or 5G-capable devices by 2024.
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2G reversion
2G, or GSM and CdmaOne, has been superseded by newer technologies such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. Despite this, 2G networks were still available in most parts of the world as of 2023. In some places, 3G is being shut down before 2G, with Vodafone announcing in 2020 that it had switched off 3G across Europe but retained 2G as a fallback service.
In the context of "3G Austria", the telecoms arm of Hutchison launched an offer to give away Internet access in Austria. Hutchison 3G is the smallest of Austria's operators, and it offered free SIM cards with 20 megabytes of free data per day. This was done to demonstrate to regulators that it would remain competitive even if it took over its rival, Orange Austria.
Now, to address the issue of 2G reversion. While newer generations of mobile network technology have been introduced, 2G networks still play an important role, especially in rural areas where later generations have not yet been implemented. Many modern devices can fall back to 2G for phone calls in these regions.
However, 2G technology is considered insecure due to well-known methods to exploit weaknesses in the network. As a result, some carriers have announced the shutdown of 2G services to free up frequencies for newer technologies.
If you are experiencing issues with your phone automatically reverting to 3G, there are a few potential solutions. One user reported that enabling and disabling airplane mode on their device allowed them to reconnect to a higher-speed network. This suggests that the issue may be related to the phone's signal search function or a similar technical issue. It is recommended to explore device settings and try adjusting network preferences or updating software to address such problems.
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Hutchison 3G Austria
In 2012, Hutchison 3G Austria sought regulatory approval for a 1.3 billion-euro ($1.6 billion) takeover of its rival Orange Austria. To get approval from the European Commission, H3G had to make several commitments, including making wholesale MVNO access available and divesting 2x10 MHz in the 2.6GHz frequency band. The acquisition was completed on 3 January 2013, making Hutchison 3G Austria the third-largest mobile operator in Austria.
Hutchison 3G has also made efforts to increase its customer base and workforce. In 2010, the company announced it would increase its workforce by 112 new staff by the end of the year. Additionally, in 2012, it launched an offer for free internet access in Austria to attract new customers.
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Free internet offer
Hutchison 3G Austria, the country's smallest mobile communications provider, launched an offer to give away free internet access in Austria. The offer includes free SIM cards with 20 megabytes of free data per day. This allocation is enough to visit three friends' pages on Facebook, read four long articles on Wikipedia, or call up three news articles. The offer does not require users to provide billing details, so they will not be charged automatically if they exceed the daily limit. However, they will be presented with offers to sign up for a data plan.
Hutchison 3G's initiative is aimed at helping the approximately 1.4 million Austrians who do not use the internet, which is about one-fifth of the adult population. By providing free internet access, the company seeks to increase its customer base and market share in Austria's highly competitive telecom market. This move is also part of Hutchison 3G's strategy to demonstrate to regulators its commitment to fostering competition, as it seeks regulatory approval for a takeover of its rival, Orange Austria.
To support this initiative, Hutchison 3G is offering discounted Samsung tablets in conjunction with its free internet offer. The company is selling the Galaxy Tab 8.9 for 299 euros, a significant reduction from its usual price of 399 euros. This offer is designed to encourage those without suitable devices to get online and take advantage of the free internet access.
The free internet offer by Hutchison 3G is a bold strategy to enhance its position in the Austrian market and showcase its willingness to maintain competition. By partnering with the Austrian Institute for Applied Telecommunications (OIAT), a non-profit organisation promoting the safe and effective use of information and communication technologies, Hutchison 3G aligns with the European Union's goal of reducing the proportion of citizens who are not online. This initiative is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more Austrians have access to the internet and its opportunities.
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3G/2G rules for tourists
As of November 2021, Austria had implemented a 2G rule to curb the spread of COVID-19. This meant that only those who were vaccinated or had recovered from COVID-19 could enter restaurants, clubs, and cinemas. The rapid test must not be older than 24 hours. This rule was implemented due to the drastic increase in COVID-19 cases in Austria and the neighboring countries of Switzerland and Germany.
In the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, a 2G rule was also applied to restaurants and events, while a 3G rule was required for shopping, excluding basic supply shops.
As of February 2022, Austria eased its Corona measures, and retail and gastronomy returned to the 3G rule, excluding Vienna.
Therefore, it is important for tourists to be aware of the local COVID-19 rules and regulations before traveling to Austria, as they may vary between different states and change over time. It is recommended to check the official websites of the Austrian government or local authorities for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
3G is the third generation of mobile communications technology.
The 3G/2G rule in Austria states that individuals must provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test to enter certain establishments.
Yes, 3G is being phased out in Austria as the country transitions to more advanced network technologies such as 4G and 5G.
Hutchison 3G Austria, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Group, provides 3G services in the country.
The alternatives to 3G in Austria include 4G/LTE and 5G networks offered by various telecom providers such as A1 Telekom Austria, Magenta (T-Mobile Austria), and Drei.
