RIGA, Nov 9 (LETA) - At the end of November this year, mobile operator Tele2 plans to shut down 3G technology in Daugavpils, Kraslava, Preili and Rezekne in order to use frequencies for 4G and 5G network development, the company informed LETA.

3G technology will also become navailable in several municipalities in Augsdaugava, Jekabpils, Kraslava, Preili, Rezekne and Livani regions.

Tele2 representatives point out that 3G is currently no longer able to compete with newer generations of mobile communication technologies and is not suitable for today's mobile communication usage habits. Currently, only 1 percent of mobile data is consumed on 3G networks, and more and more customers are also making voice calls on 4G networks using modern VoLTE technology, which provides faster connection times, higher voice and video call quality.

Voice calls will now be made over 2G and 4G networks using VoLTE technology, and VoWiFi technology will soon be available to all customers, allowing them to make voice calls over WiFi.

Tele2 plans to phase out 3G technology throughout Latvia by 2025 in order to use frequencies, which are a limited resource, for 4G and 5G network development.

3G technology has already been previously shut down in several municipalities in Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Balvi, Cesis, South Kurzeme, Gulbene, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Ludza, Madona, Ogre, Rezekne, Valmiera, Varaklani, Valka, Ventspils, Saldus, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi and Tukums regions.

As reported, Tele2's turnover last year was EUR 180.297 million last year, which is 8.7 percent more than a year earlier, while the company's profit increased by 40.8 percent to EUR 46.629 million.

The company was registered in November 1995 with a share capital of EUR 3.486 million. Tele2 is solely owned by Tele2 Sverige of Sweden.