According to the Maxis website, Maxis 3G networks in Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang were shut down in October, while Maxis 3G networks in Perak, Kedah, Perlis, Putrajaya, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka were shut down in November.
Maxis plans to shut down its 3G networks in Penang, Johor, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur in December. The information released by Maxis does not indicate when the Maxis 3G network in Sarawak will be shut down, Maxis only said that it will update the date when it is confirmed.
After the closure of the 3G network, the telco will upgrade the frequency band used by the 3G network to the existing 4G network, which will help enhance the 4G network experience.
The country will officially shut down the 3G network on December 31, 2021. Many people are confused as to why the government would choose to shut down the 3G network, instead choosing to shut down the 2G network first as Singapore did.
The reason why the Malaysian government chose to keep the 2G network and shut down the 3G network first is that the 2G network has a lower infrastructure maintenance cost and the widest network coverage. There are still many rural areas in the country that only support the 2G network, so if the government closes the 2G network, this is equivalent to cutting off the communication services in the rural areas. In addition, the purpose of using cell phones is very simple for the elderly cell phone users in rural areas, which is to be able to make calls, without the need for complex Internet services, so the 2G network is necessary to retain.
