The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has officially issued Memorandum Circular No. 003-09-2025, ordering the phased decommissioning of third generation (3G) mobile services across the Philippines

The circular takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after submission of certified copies to the University of the Philippines Law Center. Complete nationwide shutdown set no later than December 31, 2026.

The directive marks a significant step in the country’s push toward faster, more efficient mobile networks such as 4G, 5G, and future sixth-generation (6G) technologies. According to the NTC, reallocating radio frequencies currently occupied by 2G and 3G networks will reduce congestion, improve service quality, and expand broadband access nationwide.

Phased Shutdown Plan

Public telecommunications entities (PTEs) are required to submit their Technical Transition Plans within 60 days of the circular’s effectivity. These plans must detail area-specific timelines for 3G shutdowns, starting in highly urbanized cities and gradually extending to first, second, and third-class municipalities before reaching remaining service areas.

The circular also mandates proper disposal of obsolete 3G equipment in compliance with environmental regulations, public awareness campaigns, and consumer support programs to ease the transition.

Consumer Migration Support

To minimize disruption, PTEs must provide migration assistance to subscribers still using 3G-only devices. Measures include:

-Subsidy schemes or installment plans, prioritizing low-income users, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

-Free SIM upgrades for registered users.

-Toll-free migration helplines and regional walk-in centers for technical assistance.

-Online portals for complaints, feedback, and migration guidance.

Awareness and Reporting

Telecom providers are also required to roll out nationwide information campaigns highlighting the benefits of transitioning to newer technologies. These campaigns will use broadcast, print, and social media platforms, as well as partnerships with local governments, educators, and youth organizations.

To ensure transparency, PTEs must submit quarterly compliance reports detailing shutdown progress, consumer migration statistics, and support initiatives. The NTC will conduct both scheduled and surprise audits, including field inspections.

Impact on 2G Services

While 3G networks face immediate decommissioning, 2G services will follow a separate timeline. This comes after strong endorsements from Regional Development Councils in Mindanao, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, which cited the continued reliance of rural communities on basic voice and SMS functions.

The NTC emphasized that retaining 2G in the interim ensures no Filipino is left disconnected, especially in geographically isolated areas where 4G and 5G infrastructure is not yet available.

Future Technology and Device Regulation

Frequencies freed from 3G will be reassigned for 4G, 5G, and emerging 6G services under the principle of technology neutrality. Meanwhile, the NTC will issue separate guidelines to phase out 2G and 3G-capable devices. Within 60 days, applications for certification of such devices will no longer be accepted, and existing units will eventually be deactivated in the licensing database.

With this move, the Philippines joins a growing list of countries transitioning away from legacy mobile networks in favor of faster, more efficient technologies—paving the way for broader digital inclusion under the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.

source:

https://ntc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/MEMORANDUM_CIRCULAR/003-09-2025.pdf

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