Anatel will no longer certify 3G-only devices in Brazil after April 2025

National Telecommunications Authority (Anatel) has determined the deadline for applications Final certification of communication devices that do not go beyond 3G technology. The institution published Law No. 14430 on Monday (7), which defines the next steps of this modernization project.

According to Anatel, new “mobile phones and access terminal stations“Those who want approval for sales in the country Must have at least 4G support. The rule comes into force From 6 April 2025 and had been under review by the agency for some time.

Old smartphones that have already been sold will not have any problems due to being operated on the scheduled date. “Documents of devices that work with 3G and require certification will be approved normally.”As long as they have 4G technology or higher“.

“Offer does not affect equipment already certified and used in Brazil“We aim to ensure that new equipment entering the Brazilian market also has the capacity to operate in 4G or higher technology,” explains Anatel.

Anatel approval is a mandatory prerequisite for a telecommunications device to be sold in the country. Models without the agency’s seal have not been properly tested and are considered “pirated” by the government.

Will 3G be shut down soon?

According to Anatel, There is no forecast for 3G mobile network outages in Brazil. But the agency is already working on this future possibility and wants to prevent it.”stop working when providers effectively disable 2G and 3G networks“.

Work began in consultation last year and it will still be some time before the final date is determined. Older networks are considered less fast, more insecure, and can also compromise other transmissions due to interference or occupation of important frequencies that could be used in other opportunities.

Right now, Brazil is going through the 5G implementation processThis feature has been available in capital cities for two years and is gradually expanding to smaller cities.