LMT concludes the 3G era in Latvia and lays the foundations for the future of communications

Technological developments are inevitably changing our everyday lives, and Latvian telecommunications company LMT is taking another step into the future by completing the closure of its 3G network across the country. Latvia now joins the ranks of European countries that have abandoned this more than 20-year-old technology in favour of more powerful and efficient 4G and 5G networks.

Why is 3G discontinued?

3G technology was once a revolution, allowing people to move from slow GPRS and EDGE connections to much faster mobile internet. But today, with data being transmitted much faster and the demand for fast and stable connections continuing to grow, 3G has become obsolete. Just as 2G networks were once upgraded, now 3G is being replaced by more powerful alternatives.

“Change is a natural part of growth; together with the development of new telecommunications technologies and innovations it opens unprecedented opportunities for businesses and private users alike. Although we have not yet fully explored the possibilities of 5G, the technology sector is already talking about 6G,” Juris Binde, President of LMT, says about the state of play in the industry.

LMT is currently the only Baltic mobile operator to have joined the 6G Smart Grid and Services Industry Association 6G-IA. “Membership in this organisation allows us to actively participate in various 5G and 6G-related research programmes and 5G infrastructure deployment projects. We are looking to the future and know that our partners and customers appreciate this, so obsolete technologies are a thing of the past,” Mr Binde adds.

What does this mean for customers?

Most mobile users didn’t even notice this change because they have already been using 4G and 5G devices for a long time. The switch from 3G was a gradual process that started in autumn 2023, when LMT was the first Latvian mobile operator to close its 3G network in Kurzeme. Last year, the same was done in Zemgale, Latgale and Vidzeme, while at the beginning of this year, the 3G network was discontinued in the regions surrounding Riga with the capital being the last location in Latvia to be disconnected from 3G. 

Photo: pexels.com

What will happen with the freed-up frequencies?

Closing the 3G network is not just a technical change – it also allows for more efficient use of radiofrequency resources. Freed-up frequencies will be reallocated for the development of 4G and 5G networks thus ensuring broader coverage and more stable connections throughout Latvia. This will also help lay the groundwork for future technologies which will open new opportunities for everyday users and businesses.

LMT is not the only telecommunications company to have taken such a decision. Worldwide more than 150 mobile operators have already discontinued use of 3G or plan to do so in the next couple of years. For example, Sweden, Finland and Estonia did so in 2023, Lithuania – in 2022, while Norway took this step already in 2021.