Orange Slovakia to complete 3G shutdown a year early

Orange Slovakia has announced that it will switch off its 3G network at the end of next year, twelve months earlier than originally planned. The operator says usage of the 3G network is falling off faster than expected, with 4G technology available virtually nationwide and the newer 5G network now reaching 25.2% of the population in 140 cities and towns. It wants to at least double 5G coverage by the end of 2023, at which point it will shut down the 3G system, allowing it to use its 900MHz and 2100MHz spectrum to support faster services. Orange added that it expects its 2G network to be closed some time between 2028 and 2030.