NTT Docomo has finalized the retirement of its 3G mobile network in Japan.
The carrier announced the switch-off of its FOMA and its i-mode service, which allowed users to access the Internet and email from their mobile phones.
Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access (FOMA) is the name of NTT Docomo's 3G telecoms service.
In doing so, NTT Docomo has called time on Japan's last 3G mobile network after first launching its 3G network in October 2021. NTT's i-mode service launched even earlier in 1999.
Both these services were terminated on April 1.
"Please note that for customers using devices (4G) that may experience difficulties connecting emergency calls during network congestion, we will be providing voice guidance at regular intervals when you make a call from your mobile phone regarding the impact of the 3G service termination," stated NTT Docomo.
Rival Japanese carrier KDDI retired its 3G network in 2022, while SoftBank switched off the network in 2024.
NTT's decision to retire the network comes as little surprise, citing fewer users on its 3G network, as 4G and 5G usage continues to grow. The carrier said that it "aims to make more effective use of radio waves and provide higher quality communication services" following the switch-off.
Source: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/ntt-docomo-retires-japans-last-3g-network/
