Telstra shuts down 2G network
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A customer of Australia’s Telstra was given the honor of switching off Telstra’s 2G GSM network last week.
The customer, Oly Gordon, became a viral sensation after posting to Telstra’s Facebook page that he was still operating a Nokia 3315 2G phone after 13 years.
In response, Telstra last week invited him to flick the switch on its 2G network, and presented him with a brand new Google Pixel smartphone.
Telstra announced in 2014 that it planned to decommission its obsolete 2G network by the end of this year.
The operator has since been busy migrating the last of its 2G customers on to 3G or 4G networks, and has spent the last few months mailing replacement phones to the final few holdouts.
Gordon’s viral post came just in time to coincide with Nokia’s announcement that it has closed the transactions required for HMD Global to produce new Nokia-branded smartphones, tablets and feature phones under an exclusive 10-year licensing deal.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why did Telstra involve a customer in shutting down its 2G network?
Why did Telstra involve a customer in shutting down its 2G network?
Telstra invited Oly Gordon, a customer, to turn off the network after he became a viral sensation for posting about still using a 2G phone. This unique approach marked the network's decommissioning.
Q.What actions did Telstra take to prepare for the 2G network closure?
What actions did Telstra take to prepare for the 2G network closure?
Telstra migrated remaining 2G customers to 3G or 4G networks and sent replacement phones to the last few holdouts. They announced the planned closure in 2014, allowing several years for preparation.
Q.What new development has occurred with the Nokia brand around the same time?
What new development has occurred with the Nokia brand around the same time?
Nokia announced it has finalised transactions for HMD Global to produce new Nokia-branded devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, and feature phones under an exclusive 10-year licensing deal.
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