In alignment with global trends in cellular mobile technology, Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) announces the gradual shutdown of its 3G base stations. As legacy mobile technologies like 3G are phased out worldwide, the move aims to make room for more advanced technologies capable of supporting video streaming, tele-conferencing, and other evolved services.

The decision to phase out 3G brings several benefits, including a reduction in expenses associated with maintaining legacy infrastructures and 3G vendor licenses. It also addresses potential future issues related to the unavailability of 3G network infrastructures, given the discontinuation of 3G manufacturing by industry providers.

By refarming scarce radio frequency resources previously dedicated to 3G services, BTL aims to allocate them for more efficient mobile technologies such as 4G, 5G, and potentially 6G in the future. This strategic reallocation aligns with global mobile standards and ensures the evolution of mobile technologies in Bhutan.