Why most countries are struggling to shut down 2G
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Global leap to 4G and 5G would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.

Global leap to 4G and 5G would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.

  • Telecom companies aim to profit from the 2G-to-5G transition as governments worldwide face pressure to free up mobile spectrum.
  • Vietnam is the latest country to shut down 2G by offering free 4G phones to the poor.
  • India and South Africa have expressed concern that the strategy would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.
  • piecat@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    There’s a lot of hidden cost associated with supporting legacy features/standards/technology

    Do they have different frequencies? Require different antennas?

    Are there cost implications for radios / amplifiers? Do ASICs support only newer modes? How much obsoleted / legacy HW is required?

    And that’s just from a manufacturer standpoint.

    Are more licenses required? Or other regulatory impacts?