Last week, Airtel announced in its official statement that it is shutting down its 3G network in the Haryana circle while shifting its consumers to the 4G network with duly notifications. This was done in order to improve the 4G LTE services in the state of Haryana. The official statement read: "Airtel mobile broadband services in Haryana will now be available to customers on its high-speed 4G network along with HD quality VOLTE calling."
Now, the telecom service provider opted for the same strategy for the Punjab region. Airtel is discontinuing its 3G services in Punjab. In a recent official statement, they said: "Mobile broadband services in Punjab will now be available to Airtel customers on its high-speed 4G network along with HD quality VOLTE calling."
However, the operator still continues with 2G network in both Haryana and Punjab for people who are still using feature phones. While Airtel cannot put a full stop to 2G network for people without smartphones, gradually phasing out the third generation services is important in favour of faster 4G network.
For people who are still using 3G services, the company suggests they should upgrade to the 4G services from the operator. Airtel 3G customers need to upgrade to the 4G SIM cards as well as purchase a new smartphone that supports 4G networks.
In the month of June this year, Airtel shut down its 3G network in Kolkata as well to strengthen its 4G services. The company's plan is to discontinue the 3G services from all circles gradually in favour of its faster 4G service over the course of time. And subscribers will have to upgrade to a 4G handset and get a 4G SIM card.