Vodafone begins 3G switch-off in Italy

Vodafone Italy has begun the process of decommissioning its 3G mobile network with a full shutdown planned for the end of February, Mondo Mobile Web reports. The telco announced in September last year that it would be closing 3G sites in order to free up spectrum resources for 4G networks, allowing it to cover a further 1,100 municipalities with LTE-based services. The 3G switch-off will also affect MVNO partners on the Vodafone network, such as Lycamobile, Noitel, Rabona and Optima Mobile.