3G migration

3G migration – even more LTE for everyone: this you need to know

For many years, ORTEL MOBILE has provided a modern 4G/LTE mobile telephoning network to its customers across all rate categories. Approximately 20 years ago, the age of mobile Internet in Germany began with the arrival of the predecessor technology, 3G. The drastic increase in mobile data volume in recent years has made the ongoing modernisation of the existing mobile telephoning network necessary. As a result, the frequencies used by 3rd generation (3G) mobile telephoning technology will be used to further expand the 4G network in future: by the end of 2021, the 3G network will be gradually migrated to 4G. The migration from 3G to 4G means: valuable frequencies will be used for the more efficient 4G technology enabling higher data transfer rates and capacities – this will improve your network experience as an ORTEL MOBILE customer. These also apply for the blauworld and Spezialtarif Osteuropa (Special Tariff Eastern Europe) brands.

What does this mean for you as a ORTEL MOBILE customer? We are providing you with the most important facts here.

The migration to 4G: As a customer, you benefit

The migration from 3G to 4G will take place in stages. Most modern SIM cards and mobile phones already support the 4G standard. Do you use a 4G-ready SIM card and a 4G-ready device? Then you can look forward to

even greater 4G network coverage and more stable connections
Voice-over LTE telephony with even better speech quality
Even faster mobile surfing

3G will be decommissioned. With 4G, you can make phone calls and surf faster than before in even more regions.

Of course, the migration will occur without any interruption to our service. In other words: as a mobile telephoning customer of ORTEL MOBILE , you will be able to text and surf the same as before. By the way: operating the 4G network requires significantly less energy than the old 3G network, which is why migrating to 4G also improves our overall carbon footprint.

Is your end device 4G/LTE-compatible? Find out now with our mobile-phone check

Press the "Check now" button to automatically check whether your end device is 4G-compatible - and whether you are able to use our 4G/ LTE high-speed Internet. If you are not visiting this website via your smartphone, click on the search bar-button to find your device model. Information on the processing of your personal data is available in our Privacy Policy.

What do the terms 2G, 3G and 4G stand for?

When will the 3G network be decommissioned?

Why is the 3G network disconnected?

How will the decommissioning of the 3G network affect me?

If you already use a 4G-ready SIM card and a 4G-ready device for your daily mobile needs, then no action is required on your part.

If your SIM card and your mobile telephoning device do not meet the requirements for 4G, but you only use them for making phone calls and sending SMS, then you can also continue using them as before. If you would also like to use mobile data in future, you will need a 4G-ready SIM card and a 4G-ready device.

What do I have to do to use 4G?

Do you use mobile data with a 4G-ready SIM card, a 4G-ready device or do you make phone calls with your mobile phone? Then you're like most of our customers – no action is required on your part and you can continue to use your SIM card and device just as you would have before the migration. Your SIM card or device doesn't support 4G? If you wish to continue using mobile highspeed data from ORTEL MOBILE via the 4G network in future, you should be sure to purchase a 4G-ready SIM card and a new device in time. A tip: you can check whether your device is 4G-ready with Handycheck.

SIM card

Is my SIM card 4G/LTE-ready?

Where can I get a new SIM card that is 4G ready?

If you, as an ORTEL MOBILE customer, require a new 4G-ready SIM card, you will be informed of this via SMS in due time. In the SMS, you will be informed that you will receive a new SIM card. We will then send your new SIM card by letter mail to the address you specified. Is your address still the same? If not, you should be sure to update your details in due time. It doesn't take long and can be conveniently done online at MeinOrtel.

Device

How can I determine whether my device supports 4G?

Generally, all you need to do is check the status bar on the display of your mobile device: If your device is 4G ready and 4G is available at your location, this will be indicated on your status bar; depending on your manufacturer, the LTE designation may appear here. When checking, make sure your device is not logged onto a wireless network.

A tip: you can check whether your device is 4G-ready with Handycheck.

What do I do if my device doesn't support 4G.

How do I activate 4G/LTE on my device?

Which features do I need to look out for on an LTE device?

In principle, all of the LTE-capable devices available in Germany can be used with our LTE network. However, you should make certain that your mobile device supports as many of the frequencies used as possible. Our LTE network currently transmits using the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 Mhz frequencies. Since not all of these frequencies are available in every location/the frequencies which are available can change, your mobile device should be able to support all of the frequencies if possible.In order for you to be able to enjoy the advantages of LTE when making phone calls, your mobile device should support VoLTE (voice-over LTE). Some devices still require VoLTE to be activated in Settings.

Which networks can I use after 3G has been decommissioned

What services can I use with 2G/4G?

The 2G network is particularly suitable for telephony and for sending SMS. You can still use these services with an older device that doesn't support the 4G standard. Would you like to use the full capabilities of mobile Internet and surf and stream as much as you like while, in addition to text message, also being able to send e.g. photos and voice messages? Then you should make sure you purchase a 4G-ready SIM card and 4G-ready device in time.

Do I use more data volume when I surf on the 4G network?

Does 4G cost more than 3G?

Will my rate change once 3G is decommissioned?

You don’t have an Ortel SIM card yet?

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Ortel Mobile is a company of the E-Plus Group.

Your advantages at Ortel Mobile

SIM card without contract

With a prepaid SIM card from Ortel you can use your mobile phone to make and receive calls and surf abroad flexibly and cheaply. In addition, you benefit from various advantages of cheaper prepaid rates and a variety of different options. We have the right rate for everyone.

Pay in advance

Prepaid means paying in advance. You purchase a SIM card, which you top up with credit. Then you can book a suitable option from our large selection on your card. Calls and SMS will only be blocked once you have depleted your credit. However, you will still be reachable.

No long-term contract

You do not have to sign a long-term contract. To phone with Ortel, all you need is a mobile phone without a SIM lock. You can order your SIM card online for free or with your starting credit.

Change options flexibly

You can change your Ortel tariff flexibly every month. With Ortel you always are in full control over your mobile phone and telephone expenses.

No additional fees

Since there is neither a basic rate nor a minimum purchase, there are no additional costs with an Ortel prepaid card. There is no unpleasant surprise when checking the telephone bill.

Flat rate tariffs for smartphone users

Ortel also offers flexible tariffs for smartphone users. Internet flat rates for mobile surfing can be booked as an option - monthly and hassle-free. The good thing is that you can cancel these rates on a monthly basis. If you expect high Internet consumption in the next month or know that you will be travelling a lot, we offer you a one-off booking option.