Celcom begins 3G network shutdown

Celcom is beginning the shutdown of its 3G network coverage, starting tomorrow in several districts in Selangor, Wilayah, Perak and Pahang. — KHOR SOW YEE/The Star

Celcom is shutting down its 3G network coverage in selected areas, including districts in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, starting tomorrow.

On its network checker page, the telco states that starting Nov 11, 3G coverage will end in Kuala Selangor, Petaling, Klang, Kuala Langat, Hulu Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Gombak, Sepang and Hulu Langat, in Selangor, plus Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur in Wilayah Persekutuan.

The network is also being ended in Bagan Datuk, Perak and Bentong, Pahang.

“Time to switch up from 3G to Celcom 4G. Change your SIM card and upgrade to a 4G phone now,” it advised.

Users can also stay updated with the 3G shutdown progress on the page, to see when it will affect their area.

Those using 3G-only devices or 3G SIM cards are recommended to upgrade to newer models that are 4G and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capable.

While 3G phones can still use 2G networks, connectivity would be slower and more congested than on 4G networks, according to industry experts.

Bernama reported Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin saying 3G networks were being shut down in stages, to be completed by end of the year.

The third generation network would be replaced by 4G, which has reached 94% coverage as of Sept 25.