The 3G network is the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology defined under the International Telecommunication Union’s IMT-2000 standard. It was designed to support mobile voice alongside packet-switched data services, enabling mobile internet access, email, and multimedia functions beyond SMS. This technological shift marked the first time mobile phones, laying the foundation for modern smartphone technology, could consistently access online services without relying on fixed broadband connections.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3G?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 3G Network Launch Date in World History
- Purpose and Capabilities of the Early 3G Network
- Launch of the 3G Network in Bangladesh
- Technical Overview of 3G Network Speed
- Speeds of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G Explained by Generation
- Structural 3G Network Problem in Modern Telecom Systems
- Government Policy on the 3G Network in Bangladesh
- Banglalink’s 3G Network Shutdown
- Robi Axiata’s 3G Phase-Out Plan
- Grameenphone and Remaining 3G Coverage
- Which Countries Still Use 3G Network
- Impact on 3G Mobile Devices
- Declining Market for 3G Mobile Phones
- Role of the 3G Network in Bangladesh’s Mobile Internet Expansion
- Importance of 3G to 4G GP SIM Migration
- Is the 3G Network Dead or Just Slower?
- Conclusion
3G Network Launch Date in World History
The 3G network launch date in world history is recorded as October 1, 2001, when NTT DoCoMo launched the first commercial 3G service in Japan. This launch represented the global transition from second-generation systems to mobile data-capable networks. The deployment followed ITU IMT-2000 standards and served as the reference point for later 3G rollouts worldwide.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3G?
Purpose and Capabilities of the Early 3G Network
The original purpose of the 3G network was to enable mobile internet browsing, email access, application usage, and location-based services. These capabilities were not possible at scale on 2G networks, which primarily supported voice calls and SMS. The introduction of 3G laid the foundation for smartphone ecosystems and mobile application platforms.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3G?
Launch of the 3G Network in Bangladesh
The 3G network in Bangladesh was officially launched in 2013 after the government completed spectrum allocation to mobile operators. The rollout expanded mobile internet availability nationwide and represented a major milestone in the country’s telecommunications development.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/3g-services-rolled-out-in-bangladesh-113092900450_1.html
Technical Overview of 3G Network Speed
In technical terms, 3G network speed can theoretically reach up to 21 Mbps depending on the implementation standard. However, real-world speeds are typically lower due to shared spectrum, network congestion, and infrastructure limitations.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/banglalink-draws-the-curtain-3g-3604106
Speeds of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G Explained by Generation
A comparison of the speed of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G highlights clear generational differences. According to industry reporting, 2G networks support basic voice and SMS services, 3G supports mobile internet access, 4G delivers high-speed mobile broadband, and 5G provides ultra-low latency and significantly higher capacity.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/banglalink-draws-the-curtain-3g-3604106
Structural 3G Network Problem in Modern Telecom Systems
A major 3G network problem identified globally is declining investment. Telecom operators are reallocating spectrum and infrastructure resources toward 4G and 5G networks because newer technologies deliver higher efficiency and capacity. This shift results in slower speeds and inconsistent performance on remaining 3G infrastructure.
Source: https://gsacom.com/paper/2g-3g-switch-off-july-2025
Government Policy on the 3G Network in Bangladesh
In 2022, Bangladesh’s telecom minister publicly stated that 3G services would not remain active from 2023, citing near-complete nationwide 4G coverage. The statement reflected government policy direction rather than an immediate nationwide shutdown.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/no-3g-network-bangladesh-2023-jabbar-3163916
Banglalink’s 3G Network Shutdown
On May 5, 2024, Banglalink became the first mobile operator in Bangladesh to fully shut down its 3G network nationwide. The operator stated that the shutdown was intended to strengthen 4G service quality and improve spectrum efficiency.
Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/telecom/banglalink-becomes-countrys-first-telecom-operator-phase-out-3g-plans-strengthen
Robi Axiata’s 3G Phase-Out Plan
Robi announced plans to phase out 3G services by 2023 and migrate customers to 4G networks. The company cited improved service quality and network optimization as key reasons for the transition.
Source: https://unb.com.bd/category/tech/robi-to-phase-out-3g-by-2023/79770
Grameenphone and Remaining 3G Coverage
Grameenphone continues to operate limited 3G services. Industry analysis indicates a potential 3G sunset around 2026, aligning with global network decommissioning timelines.
Source: https://www.grameenphone.com/notices-board-316
Which Countries Still Use 3G Network
Globally, which countries still use 3G network services varies by region. Many developed markets have already shut down 3G networks, while several countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America continue limited operations during transition periods.
Source: https://blog.telegeography.com/2g-and-3g-shutdowns-continue
Impact on 3G Mobile Devices
A 3G mobile device can continue to function only where 3G coverage remains active. However, manufacturers now focus on producing devices that support 4G by default, reducing the availability of 3G mobile phone models.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/banglalink-draws-the-curtain-3g-3604106
Declining Market for 3G Mobile Phones
Search interest in 3G mobile phones price list has declined as newer devices predominantly support 4G networks. This shift reflects changing network availability and operator migration strategies.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/banglalink-draws-the-curtain-3g-3604106
Role of the 3G Network in Bangladesh’s Mobile Internet Expansion
Following its launch, the 3G network in Bangladesh enabled wider access to mobile data services, particularly in areas without fixed broadband infrastructure. The network allowed users to access social media platforms, web browsing, and basic video streaming using mobile devices.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/3g-services-rolled-out-in-bangladesh-113092900450_1.html
Importance of 3G to 4G GP SIM Migration
Many users require a 3G to 4G GP SIM upgrade to access LTE services, even if their device supports 4G. Operators recommend SIM replacement to ensure network compatibility and improved performance.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/no-3g-network-bangladesh-2023-jabbar-3163916
Is the 3G Network Dead or Just Slower?
The 3G network in Bangladesh isn’t entirely dead, but it is being gradually phased out, rather than just slowing down. Banglalink became the first operator to fully discontinue its 3G services nationwide in 2024, reallocating spectrum and resources to strengthen its 4G network and improve speed and quality for users. This transition reflects a global trend where carriers retire older 3G technology to focus on more efficient 4G infrastructure with better coverage and capacity. Other operators are also gradually upgrading to 4G, and while 3G may still exist in some areas during the transition, performance will continue to decline as networks prioritize newer, faster technologies.
Sources: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/telecom/banglalink-becomes-countrys-first-telecom-operator-phase-out-3g-plans-strengthen
Conclusion
The 3G network played a foundational role in Bangladesh’s mobile internet development, enabling early mobile data services and wider connectivity. However, global telecom trends and national policy directions indicate that 3G is no longer viable for long-term use. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), by mid-2025 there were 278 completed or planned 2G and 3G switch-offs across 83 countries, with 3G shutdowns accelerating worldwide.
Europe and Asia lead this transition, and many operators are reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G to improve efficiency and service quality. This global shift supports Bangladesh’s ongoing transition toward newer network technologies, aligning the country with international best practices and future-ready mobile infrastructure development.
Users should verify device compatibility, upgrade SIM cards where required, and follow operator migration guidance to remain aligned with Bangladesh’s evolving mobile network infrastructure.
Source: https://gsacom.com/paper/2g-3g-switch-off-july-2025/
