KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has reminded all third generation (3G) device users to switch to the fourth generation (4G) network before year-end.

Doing so, MCMC said, will ensure their telecommunication services remain undisrupted when the country fully terminates the 3G network on Dec 31.

"Users who still own SIM cards that only support the 3G network are advised to contact their service providers immediately to upgrade to 4G to prevent any inconvenience.

"The 3G network shutdown is in tandem with the government's efforts to provide a high-quality and holistic broadband under the National Digital Network (Jendela).

"The shutdown will enable the existing spectrum to be repurposed to bolster the 4G network and allow mobile network providers to enhance digital connectivity and provide a better 4G network experience to customers and households.

"The quality enhancement that will be experienced (by customers) include faster Internet access, reduced latency and a more stable network.

"Customers, consequently, can browse through Internet, stream videos and enjoy other online services more smoothly," MCMC said in a statement today.

As of Sept 30, MCMC said, the 4G coverage has increased to 94.03 per cent of populated areas with the average mobile broadband speed increased to 31.34 Mbps.

Service providers such as Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Berhad, Telekom Malaysia Berhad and U Mobile Sdn Bhd, it said, successfully migrated 1.2 million customers to the 4G network.

MCMC, therefore, urged the public and companies to reap benefits from initiatives by the government to facilitate the transition to 4G network and enjoy better broadband connectivity.

Among these initiatives, it said, are the Malaysian Family Youth Package and the Prihatin Network Programme that enable Malaysians to own or upgrade selected smart devices to Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) 4G network or purchase subsidised Internet data packages.