News Summary

Major Canadian telecom providers, Bell and Telus, have announced plans to shut down their 3G networks to enhance their 4G and 5G services across the country. Bell has revealed that the shutdown will begin with the discontinuation of its 3G/HSPA network in Manitoba, with a complete shutdown expected by December 31, 2025. Telus will follow a similar timeline, with a phased shutdown starting in rural Manitoba and concluding in Winnipeg and Brandon by March 31, 2026. The transition will require customers to upgrade to devices that support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) to ensure continued service. Both companies are encouraging customers to plan their migration to next-generation devices. Rogers and Freedom Mobile have also started their 3G shutdowns, aligning with the trend of similar moves in the U.S.