Telecom companies have shut down 3G networks in several states, resulting in poor 4G signals and phone internet access turning into “E”.
The government plans to shut down all 3G network services in the country and upgrade the existing infrastructure to 4G networks by Dec. 31, 2021. Maxis, Digi and Celcom have already completed the shutdown of several state-owned 3G networks in the country.
Many users complained that their phone signals suddenly turned to “E” and they could not access the Internet at all. The so-called “E” is a short form for EDGE, or 2G network. 2G network can only provide ordinary phone calls and sms, Internet access is basically impossible.
Some phone users also complained that they could only receive “G” signals. G” signals are also known as GSM networks, which are also 2G networks and basically only allow for sending SMS messages.
Before the 3G network is shut down, at least in case of bad signal, users can still use the 3G (H or H+) network. In H or H+ networks, it is still possible to surf the Internet, such as browsing low-traffic web pages, sending WhatsApp, etc. However, when the 3G network is shut down, if the phone cannot receive 4G network smoothly, it can only connect to the lowest 2G network.
Hopefully the line will be smooth in near future.
