The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has permitted mobile network Airtel to shut down its 2G and 3G mobile networks.
Issuing a statement, the TRCSL said it has granted permission to Bharti Airtel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (Airtel) to shut down its 3G mobile network by 24th June 2022.
As a result of the end of the 3G network, 3G connectivity of Airtel subscribers who use only 2G and 3G enabled mobile phones would be disconnected automatically after the scheduled date of network shutdown.
The 3G shutdown is primarily intended to utilize the existing frequencies to deploy 4G services that offer better speed and capacity.
The TRCSL further said a timeline of 15 months has been given to Airtel to avoid service disruptions that might experience at the end of the transition period due to the shutdown of their 3G network.
Airtel is obliged to absorb at least 90% of its 3G subscriber base into its 4G network during the transition phase subject to the following conditions:
1. Conduct public awareness campaigns to encourage Airtel subscribers to migrate to 4G network ahead of the 3G shutdown
2. Take every endeavor to provide 4G handsets for its 3G subscribers at the subsidized rate on an installment basis
3. Drive the transition by offering incentives such as a series of different promotions, an impressive tariff package for the first 06 months
4. Notify its 3G subscribers by sending SMS, at regular intervals, to change their handsets with 4G enable ones before the given timeline
The TRCSL further said if you are an Airtel subscriber who is still using only 2G & 3G enabled phones, you may contact Airtel over the shortcode 780 immediately to obtain the 4G connectivity together with a new mobile phone under concessionary terms. This concession will only be available until the 1st of June 2022.
If you have encountered any difficulty in obtaining a 4G mobile phone during the said time limit, you may lodge a complaint with the TRCSL, it added. (NewsWire)
