Israel’s Communications Ministry plans to shutter the country’s 2G and 3G networks by the end of 2025 as 5G becomes increasingly prevalent in the market.
In a statement, the ministry noted that from 1st January 2022, it will ban the import of mobile devices that only support older technology standards, adding that after another year it planned to prevent such devices from connecting to networks.
The ministry confirmed that current 2G and 3G subscribers would still be able to use the services during this period, but would no longer receive service from the end of 2025.
Communications Minister Yoaz Handel said: “We are leading the State of Israel toward a new era in the field of communications infrastructure…Around the world, old technologies have been shut down in order to free up broadcast frequencies – which are a limited resource – in favor of advanced technologies. The process will be gradual and allow those who need to, to make the necessary technological adjustments.”
5G networks are on track to be the dominant technology in Israel within two to four years, reports the Jersualem Post.
