TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Cell phone users across Taiwan are encouraged to check their settings as the lone remaining 3G carrier, Chunghwa Telecom, will stop offering the service at the end of the year.

Taiwan’s top three carriers deployed 3G networks for nearly 20 years. However, faster data speeds and wider coverage with less latency led to 4G and 5G migration, per TVBS.

With the approval of the National Communications Commission, Taiwan’s three leading carriers began shutting down 3G networks at the end of June 2024, starting with areas of overlapping coverage and infrequently used bases. According to statistics, about 530,000 cell phone users will be affected by the suspension of 3G service.

According to the NCC, suspending 3G service would cut carbon emissions by approximately 142,000 tons, the equivalent of having 373 Daan Forest Parks in Taipei. Once 3G is shut down, citizens can only access data and voice services through 4G or 5G networks with compliant handsets and SIM cards.

Chunghwa Telecom President Lin Rong-syh (林榮賜) said the decision to delay the closure of 3G base stations until the end of the year was based on concern that communication equipment in airports, ports, and rural areas had not yet been upgraded to 4G, and suspension of service could potentially affect operations.

Lin estimated that 60% of 3G stations, or approximately 9,800 base stations, have been shut down so far.