Hong Kong's communications network continues to iterate: Digitcom will end 3G service in October and concentrate resources to enable 4G/5G development

The Zhitong Finance App has learned that the Office of the Hong Kong Communications Authority (HKCC) announced today (July 24) that the Hong Kong Communications Authority has given prior consent to Digiton Telecom Limited (Digitom)'s application to terminate the provision of third-generation mobile (3G) services on October 9, 2026.

The Hong Kong Communications Authority approved the application in accordance with section 10.4 of Digitom's Integrated Carrier License. Various relevant factors have been taken into account, including the low proportion of affected customers (including customers still using 3G phones/devices and older 4G phones/devices that only support older versions of VoLTE (Note) technology), and Digitcom is preparing to provide support services to affected customers (such as preferential plans to replace their phones/devices), and will make reasonable service termination arrangements for customers who choose not to change their phones/devices without continuing to use the service They also provide customer service support. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Communications Authority has requested Digitom to continue to maintain satisfactory 3G services until the scheduled service termination date.

As various operators shut down 3G mobile networks in stages, the Hong Kong Communications Office uses this to remind 3G service users, users using 3G phones/devices, and users using older 4G mobile phones to upgrade their service plans and mobile devices as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Communications Office also encourages members of the public to help their families and friends, especially elderly users, upgrade their services to experience the more advanced and diverse features brought by the next generation of mobile services.

Currently, 4G and 5G are the mainstream mobile services around the world, and the 6G era will be ushered in a few years. More than 90% of mobile service users in Hong Kong are now enjoying the mobile service experience brought by 4G or 5G technology. In response to customers' continued demand for more advanced mobile services, the operator stopped providing 3G services in line with international trends, and will be able to reallocate the freed radio spectrum and concentrate resources to support the next generation of mobile technology.