Users of mobile phones that do not support voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE) technology might need to update their phones as the nation is to shut down 3G voice service on June 30, the National Communications Commission (NCC) said yesterday.
The government terminated 3G data service in 2018 after migrating to 4G, but kept 3G voice service as the VoLTE technology was not yet mature.
More than 28 million kilowatt-hours of electricity would be conserved if the nation’s major telecoms — Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone Telecommunications — shut down the 3G network completely, the commission said.
Photo: Fang Wei-chieh, Taipei Times
This would in turn curb carbon emissions by approximately 142,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to the reduction possible by having 373 Daan Forest Parks (大安森林公園) in Taipei, it said.
Once the 3G voice system is shut down, people can only access data and voice services through 4G or 5G networks, the commission said, adding that users must ensure that their cellphones and SIM cards support 4G, 5G and VoLTE systems.
If the phones are too old or have yet to secure type approval from the NCC, users cannot communicate through the VoLTE network, which includes emergency hotlines 110, 119 or 112, the commission said.
Users can ascertain whether their mobile phones or SIM cards allow them to access VoLTE service by visiting their service provider’s Web site, their retail stores or calling their customer representatives, it said.
The commission also produced a commercial featuring NCC Chairman Chen Yaw-shyang (陳耀祥) to inform the public about the policy change.
“Telecoms would notify users through text messages and outbound voice calls. After receiving the message, users should visit their telecom’s retail stores for free SIM card replacement. If there are problems related to the 3G network shutdown, people can also contact their provider through its toll-free customer service number. They must also be vigilant to prevent malicious people from using their information to commit fraud,” he said.
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