There 3G switch off procedure Of WINDTRE marks a new step forward. There AGCOM Resolution 217/26/CONSin fact, authorizes the operator to start a experimentation for the software disabling of UMTS (3G) technology. This procedure will concern WINDTRE and Very Mobile customers. Since this is an experimental phase, the operator will apply the procedure to a limited number of users.
What will happen6
The process authorized by the Authority will be divided into two distinct phases. In the first, disabling access to the 3G network will involve a limited group of customers, including consumer, microbusiness and business users. In the second phase, the block will be progressively extended to the entire WINDTRE and Very Mobile customer base, also including the SIMs used in Machine to Machine (M2M) devices.
From a technical point of view, the experimentation does not involve the physical shutdown of the 3G carrier on the 900 MHz band. The operator it will act exclusively at a software level on the profiles of individual users, preventing them from accessing UMTS technology. Since it is a reversible and profile-focused simulation, the procedure will not have any impact on virtual operators (MVNO) which rely on the WINDTRE network, sui Iliad customers (which shares some infrastructure with the operator) or on foreign users in international roaming.
When will 3G be switched off?
The possible physical and definitive shutdown of the 3G network will, in fact, require a subsequent and separate evaluation by AGCOM. It will be necessary to wait for the next few weeks to see what the next steps will be.
In the near future, WINDTRE will turn off its 3G (following the example of TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone). This choice will make it impossible to use the 3G network and will involve all WINDTRE and Very Mobile customers but also the customers of virtual operators who rely on the WINDTRE network and Iliad customers, who rely, even partially, on the same infrastructure.
