The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has officially mandated the termination of 3G mobile telecommunications services (IMT-2000) in Qatar by December 31, 2025, following consultation from stakeholders.
As part of strategic efforts designed to boost telecommunications services in the country, the CRA has instructed telecommunication service providers, Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar, to halt their 3G services by the end of next year.
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The deliberate measure aims to optimize the utilization of current radio spectrum resources to enhance the fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) networks.
In addition to the 3G shutdown, the CRA imposed an immediate ban on the import of mobile devices supporting 2G and 3G networks, while approving devices compatible with 4G/Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology.
The authority aims to ensure that both service providers can direct their investments toward developing and expanding 4G and 5G networks, ultimately leading to better connectivity and enhanced user experiences.
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The initiative supports the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024 – 2030, enhancing consumer experiences and the country’s telecommunications sector by leveraging the performance of 4G and 5G networks.
The CRA’s decision highlights its commitment to advancing digitalization and economic diversification in Qatar, providing the latest generation networks to generate higher data speeds, lower response times, and greater capacity.
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