Hungary’s National Media & Infocommunications Authority (Nemzeti Media- es Hirkozlesi Hatosag, NMHH) announced on 14 February the availability of subsidies to assist consumers in exchanging their 3G mobile phones for 4G/5G devices ahead of the expected shutdown of 3G networks in the first half of 2023. An individual subsidy of HUF20,000 (USD63.4) can be claimed at one of 700 participating retail outlets, covering 250,000 device purchases under the programme’s budget of HUF5 billion. The offer runs until 17 July 2022, or until the fund is exhausted.
Although 3G devices are the main focus of the programme, the NMHH confirmed that if any funds remain by 9 May 2022, from that date it will also be possible to claim the individual subsidy to replace a 2G-only mobile phone with a 4G/5G model.