𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝟑𝐆 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞

…𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 34,000 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 3𝑮 𝒕𝒐 4𝑮, 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 2026.

By Lhendup Wangmo

Bhutan Telecom (BT) has begun phasing out its 3G network as part of a broader strategy to modernize mobile services and enhance connectivity across the country. The move is expected to improve service quality by reallocating network resources to faster, more efficient technologies such as 4G LTE, Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and 5G.

With the transition already underway, approximately 34,000 BT users with 3G-only SIM cards have been advised to upgrade to 4G in order to avoid service disruptions. The Bhutan Information and Media Authority (BICMA) has been closely monitoring the process and has directed telecom operators to implement the shift strategically, ensuring minimal inconvenience to users. The transition will also include strengthening 2G networks in areas with limited 4G coverage.

In response to potential service disruptions, BICMA has instructed BT to temporarily reactivate 3G in affected areas and execute a detailed migration strategy. The authority also stressed the importance of public awareness to ensure a smooth transition.

BICMA emphasized its role in overseeing the transition, saying: “We have instructed telecom operators to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure the smooth phasing out of 3G services without disrupting public access. With 4G-enabled mobile stations available nationwide, including in rural areas where 2G stations are still operational, users with 3G-only SIM cards will be transitioned to 4G services, ensuring continuous service.”

Both telecom operators are undertaking extensive public awareness campaigns to inform users about the upcoming shutdown of 3G services. These efforts aim to facilitate the upgrade of 3G SIM cards to 4G and enable VoLTE services, ensuring that users experience seamless connectivity.

BT has already initiated outreach through public announcements, SMS notifications, and one-on-one communications to help users transition to 4G. The company has stated that 34,000 users are yet to upgrade their SIM cards and that they will be notified about the process in the coming months.

According to Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL), an initial survey revealed 58,000 users with 3G-only SIM cards, including both active and inactive subscribers. Following further analysis, BTL identified 38,000 active 3G users, of which 4,000 have already successfully upgraded to 4G. The remaining 34,000 users will gradually make the switch to 4G.

The process of refarming the 3G spectrum for 4G and 5G services is part of BT’s broader plan to improve network capacity and coverage. Since spectrum is a limited resource, reallocating these frequencies will enhance service quality by increasing the capacity and coverage for 4G and 5G networks. The move will reduce the need for additional stations, leading to cost savings and better overall service quality.

A BT official explained, “There are 34,000 3G SIM users, and we are notifying them. Not only that, we are also requesting our customers to upgrade their SIMs. Once the reach is comfortable, in the next few months, we will shut down 3G SIMs.”

In a similar effort, TashiCell has announced plans to phase out its 3G network by the end of 2026, pending approval from BICMA. This decision aligns with the national push toward advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G to improve connectivity throughout Bhutan.

TashiCell has already begun contacting customers using older SIM cards, urging them to upgrade to new versions supporting 4G and 5G. The company is offering these upgrades free of charge to affected users and has stated that the 3G network will only be fully deactivated once all customers have transitioned to the new SIM cards. Additionally, TashiCell is encouraging customers with VoLTE-capable handsets to enable the feature for enhanced voice quality.

For many users, the transition to 4G has already begun, with noticeable improvements in service quality. Sonam Lhaden, a former 3G SIM user from Thimphu, shared her experience, “I encountered connectivity issues and had to reach out to customer service. That’s when I was informed that my 3G SIM was outdated and needed an upgrade to 4G. Since making the switch, I have noticed a significant improvement. The internet speed is remarkably faster and much more reliable.”

She added, “Initially, I was hesitant about upgrading because I wasn’t sure if it would make a real difference. However, after switching to 4G, I can now stream videos without buffering, and my calls are much clearer. The transition was seamless, and I wish I had done it sooner.”

Tashi Dorji, another former 3G SIM user, explained the substantial improvements in connectivity, “I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on until I upgraded. The difference in speed and connectivity is substantial. Previously, even sending a simple email would take longer, and at times, the internet would completely stop. But now, everything is instantaneous.”

Dechen Wangmo, a university student from Thimphu, described the relief she felt after upgrading: “As a student, I rely heavily on the internet for my assignments and research. Before upgrading, the slow connection would often interrupt my online classes and delay my submissions. Now that I have switched to 4G, everything is much smoother, and I no longer have to worry about sudden disconnections.”

Kinley Tenzin, a small business owner in Thimphu, highlighted how improved connectivity benefited his business: “I run an online business, and having a slow internet connection was a huge challenge. Customers would complain about delayed responses because my messages wouldn’t go through instantly. Since switching to 4G, transactions are processed faster, and I can communicate with clients without any interruptions.”

As the country moves toward phasing out 3G services, telecom operators are working hard to upgrade users to 4G while minimizing disruptions. With public advocacy efforts underway and thousands of users already transitioning, the process is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Kencho Wangmo, a TashiCell user, expressed relief about the upgrade process: “I guess my SIM is a 3G SIM, as my internet has been a bit slow lately. However, I was relieved when I heard that TashiCell was offering SIM upgrades. They have also been actively encouraging customers with VoLTE-capable handsets to enable the feature, ensuring we can take full advantage of high-quality voice services.”

Lhamo Tenzin, another TashiCell customer, emphasized the impact of the upgrade, “I was facing slow internet speeds and assumed it was just the network. But when I upgraded my SIM to 4G, the difference was night and day. The speeds are significantly faster, and now, with VoLTE, my calls are clearer than ever. It’s been a great experience so far.”

Penjor Dorji, a frequent traveler, shared his positive experience, “I was initially frustrated with the network coverage when traveling across the country. After upgrading to 4G, the internet has been more stable, and I can stay connected even in remote areas. The new VoLTE feature has also improved my calls, making them more reliable, which is a big win for me.”

As both Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell progressively phase out their 3G networks, the country is ushering in a new era of faster, more reliable mobile connectivity. The transition to 4G and 5G services promises to improve internet speeds, call quality, and overall user experience, with significant efforts made to ensure minimal disruption for users. While some customers have experienced initial service disruptions, both telecom operators have taken proactive steps to address these challenges, including the temporary reactivation of 3G services and a detailed migration strategy.