The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has announced plans to shutdown mobile network services for 3G and 2G technologies in the Philippines. This plan was previously announced with the release of a draft Memorandum Circular on the decommissioning of third-generation (3G) and second-generation (2G) mobile network services. The final version of the draft Memorandum Circular was issued in last September 2025 under the Memorandum Circular No. 003-09-2025.
Currently, frequency allocation for 2G and 3G mobile network in the Philippines is considered more efficient to be used for modern mobile network technologies such as 4G, 5G mobile network, or even the upcoming 6G technology. This step is essentially taken to reduce congestion and improve the quality of mobile network service in the Philippines.
In this article we will discuss all important notes from the new Memorandum Circular No. 003-09-2025 about the NTC shutdown 3G and 2G mobile network services in the Philippines.
Key notes of 3G and 2G mobile network shutdown
Memorandum Circular No. 003-09-2025 states that the frequencies currently allocated for 3G and 2G mobile networks are no longer efficient. Therefore, to reduce congestion and improve the quality of mobile network services in the Philippines, the allocated 3G and 2G frequencies can be used more efficiently by modern technologies such as 4G or 5G mobile networks. However, the role of 3G and 2G mobile networks remains vital, especially in rural and isolated areas.
The 3G cellular network service will be phased out gradually in each region operated by public telecommunications entities, and it will be discontinued nationwide no later than 31 December 2026. Public telecommunications entities are required to submit a technical transition plan within 60 days from the enactment of the new Circular.
To minimize disruptions of the implementation of the new Circular, it is important to ensure inclusive access to telecommunications services after NTC shutdown 3G cellular network, especially for consumers that currently using 3G devices only. Therefore, public telecommunications entities need to take the following actions:
- Assistance in the form of subsidies or low installments for customers of devices that only support 3G network service.
- Offer free SIM upgrade program for active customers.
- Maintain help center facilities, both online and offline, to assist customers in the migration process.
In contrast to 3G network services, the termination of 2G network services will be carried out based on a different schedule by taking into account recommendations from RDC X. This is important to ensure the availability of basic communication services in areas that still rely on 2G cellular services.
Impact of 3G and 2G mobile network shutdown to NTC type approved equipment
The NTC Office will discontinue issuing Philippines type approval certificates for devices using 3G and 2G networks only. Telecommunication devices that were previously certified and only support 3G and 2G networks will be marked for gradual deactivation of their NTC certificates.
The NTC will also issue separate guidelines addressing the gradual deactivation of type approval services for telecommunications devices that only support 3G and 2G networks. In addition, the NTC will coordinate with manufacturers, dealers, and vendors regarding the import ban on telecommunications devices that only support 3G and 2G networks.
Conclusion
The 3G and 2G mobile networks shutdown in the Philippines is a commitment to create faster internet access by utilizing 4G and 5G mobile networks. This new Memorandum Circular No. 003-09-2025 can drive the acceleration of the Philippines’ digital transformation.
It is important for manufacturers and importers to understand the impact of this new Circular so that they can adapt their certification strategies early. For companies who want to stay informed about any regulatory changes in the Philippines, feel free to drop an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions especially about this new Circular.
