3G network will be removed from use during 2023 – we are moving towards newer technology

We want to support sustainable development and actively strive to move towards newer, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendlier solutions. The change we are making now is part of this and our ongoing network improvement work.

Our customers’ use of 3G is already very low and continues to decline. In terms of today’s internet usage, 3G is also relatively slow compared to 4G.

3G will be removed from use in phases during 2023. We will keep you informed of the progress of the run-down of the network on this website.

If you have a 4G or 5G subscription and device, the change will not affect you at all.

3G devices and subscriptions will continue to operate on a 2G network after the network is run down. For example, the sound quality of phone calls may suffer, and Internet may run slower or not work at all. 

Most of our customers are already using SIM cards that function in the 4G and 5G networks. However, some older SIM cards will only work in the 2G network after the change, and we have sent these customers SMS text messages to let them know they should change their SIM card.

If you have received a text message saying that your SIM card is old, we recommend updating it to a new one. 

• Order a new SIM card for a phone subscription
• Order a new SIM card for an Internet subscription
• You can get a new SIM card for a Prepaid subscription from an Elisa shop. To change a prepaid subscription, you need to bring your subscription number and PUK code, which you can find in the frame of your old SIM card.
  

We have sent a message about changing the SIM card to all customers using old SIM cards. You can order a new card from OmaElisa. If you have a Prepaid subscription, visit your nearest Elisa shop or Elisa Palvelupuoti. To change a prepaid subscription, you need to bring your subscription number and PUK code, which you can find in the frame of your old SIM card.

Most 3G network devices can also use the 2G network. Make sure that the speeds of the 2G network are sufficient for your device’s needs and update your device, if necessary. The speed of the 2G network may not be fast enough for data transfer in trail cameras.

Over 99% of the people in Finland already live within the Elisa 4G network, and the network is being continuously expanded. Our goal is that after 2023, the Elisa 4G network will cover all the same areas as the current 3G network. We are also rapidly expanding our 5G network.

We actively monitor the adequacy of the network and build more of it as needed. For the most part, telecommunications are already in the 4G and 5G networks, and the run-down of the 3G network will not have a significant impact on their traffic volume. You can check whether the network covers your area here (in Finnish). Please note that the page does not yet show the already-removed 3G network.

We will inform you about the progress of the 3G network shutdown on our website and send text messages to customers who may be affected by the shutdown of the 3G network. In addition, we have sent messages to customers with an old SIM card to remind them to replace their card with a new one.

Many countries have run down old 3G networks. If the device you use does not support the 4G or 5G network, it will not function as well as before when abroad.

Some countries have also decided to remove their 2G networks. In the United States, for example, only 4G and 5G networks are used. When you travel, make sure your subscription and device support at least 4G calls (VoLTE) and that your phone has VoLTE roaming support.

We update the 4G network continuously as part of our normal network maintenance and expand its range, where necessary. 

We have not yet decided when we will close the 2G network, and we will take the network’s percentage utilisation into account when making the decision.

You must have at least a 4G phone and a 4G or 5G connection for VoLTE calls to work. Also check that 4G calls (VoLTE calls) are activated for use. You can check this in your phone settings. Most new phones already have 4G calling support enabled and the settings in place. For instructions on how to enable and use 4G calls, click here (in Finnish)