3G shutdown

إغلاق شبكة الجيل الثالث 3G

3G network

stc would like to announce the shutdown of our 3G spectrum services during 2023.

As a part of the company’s spectrum management plan, this project has already been rolled out in a few cities around the kingdom and is expected to be finalized during Q3 of 2023.

It is a significant step towards re-directing resources to enhance the 4G/5G user experience within stc network.

As an effort to minimize this step’s effects on the 3G device users, stc will retain its 2G network to allow customers to continue to use Voice and SMS services regardless of the phone they carry (2G/3G or 4G).

However, users who upgrade their 3G devices to 4G/5G enabled devices should experience a more efficient and enjoyable network usability.

For home package customers ( Afaq Wireless - Atheer Shamel - Jood Wireless - Marhaba Atheer ) you can choose one of Baity 4G or 5G packages.

The cities in which 3G services have been shutdown

  • Riyadh
  • Ahsa
  • Dammam
  • Taif
  • Al Baha
  • Asir
  • Jazan
  • Najran
  • Al Qurayyat
  • Al Duwadimi
  • Yanbu
  • Buraydah
  • Onaizah
  • Al Kharj

FAQ

1.

What is 3G and how it is different from 4G?

    The terms ‘3G’ and ‘4G’ refer to third and fourth-generation mobile networks respectively. The main difference between the two technologies is the internet speed they offer. 4G is an advanced network and offers faster internet speed than 3G.

2.

Why stc is shutting down its 3G network?

The usage and volume of Data on our network have increased significantly over the last few years. Since newer technologies like 4G and 5G offer faster internet speed and better connectivity, therefore, stc will be allocating more bandwidth to these technologies, so our customers can have a better internet experience.

3.

How will this impact me and do I need to change my phone/device?

  • If you have 2G phone/device: You will not be impacted by this transition and you can continue to use Voice and SMS services as before. However, we strongly recommend that you move to a 4G phone with volte capability in order to enjoy fast internet speed and better voice quality.
  • If you have a 3G phone/device: In this case, you will be connected to 2G network and you can continue to enjoy voice and SMS services; however, the internet speed on 2G will be slow. Hence, we strongly recommend that you move to a 4G phone with volte capability in order to enjoy fast internet speed and better voice quality.
  • If you have a 4G phone: You will not be impacted by this transition and you can continue to enjoy our voice/SMS/internet services. Please make sure that you have not manually selected 3G in your internet settings. If 3G is selected, please change it to 4G or automatic settings.

4.

How would I know if I have a 4G compatible phone/device?

Check the specifications of your device whether it supports 4G or not. You can also go to the internet settings on your phone and check if it has a 4G option.

5.

Do I need to change my SIM card? If Yes, from where can I get a new SIM card and how much would it cost?

stc will send you a message in case you need to change your SIM card. You can visit the authorized stc stores/mystc app and get the new SIM card for free.

6.

I have a 4G device, do I need to make any changes in network settings?

Make sure that the internet settings on your phone are not manually set to 2G or 3G. If they are, then you will have to choose 4G or automatic settings.

7.

How much time do I have to switch to a 4G device?

3G will be shut down by end of the year 2022, which means that you have enough time to switch to a 4G device. No customer will be impacted before the shutdown date. 

8.

I am an inbound roamer in KSA; will this change affect me?

If you have a 4G device, then you will not be impacted by this change and you can enjoy data, voice, and SMS services on stc’s network. However, if you have a 3G device, then you will be downgraded to 2G which provides slow internet speed. 

9.

Will there be a network coverage issue if I switch to a new 4G device?

Currently, stc will have the same 4G coverage as the 3G upon switch off so the customers may not face any coverage issues. 

10.

Are there any services that are available on 3G but not on 4G?

All the services available on 3G are also available on 4G.

11.

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE. For once, this technology allows us to make mobile phone calls over modern LTE networks, resulting in clearer and more reliable connections than other older networks such as 3G. Turning on LTE/VoLTE requires you to turn on the cellular data setting on your phone. Don’t worry, VoLTE calls are still billed as minutes and will not generate any data usage.

12.

How to Enable VoLTE on an iPhone/iOS Device?

·        Tap Settings.

·        Tap Cellular.

·        Ensure the Cellular Data switch is in the “on” position.

·        Tap Cellular Data Options.

·        Tap Voice & Data.

·        Ensure 4G or LTE is selected (has a checkmark). If not, tap. It may even say ‘4G, VoLTE On’. Or, you may have a ‘5G Auto’ or ‘5G On’ option, we suggest choosing ‘5G Auto’ if 5G is included in your data plan.

·        If there is a separate VoLTE slider, make sure it is in the “on” position.

These instructions are for the newest iPhone software. On older versions, the process to turn on VoLTE will be very similar.

13.

How to Enable VoLTE on an Android Device?

Depending on the specific Android device you are using, these steps may differ somewhat.

  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Network & Internet (or Connections)
  • Tap Call (or Cellular Networks, Mobile Network, or Mobile Data)
  • Tap Preferred Network Type (or Network Mode)
  • Select LTE and/or 5G (if your data plan includes 5G) and enable VoLTE / HD Voice / Enhanced Calling.

OR

  • Go to the dial pad of your phone.
  • Tap the 3 dots/menu in top right.
  • Tap Call Settings.
  • Tap to enable VoLTE / HD Voice / Enhanced calling.

14.

What are the VoLTE stc Certified Devices?

You can see the list of devices here