According to market expectations, the 3G network will be shut down in Hungary between 2022 and the first half of 2023. Some Hungarian service providers have already began the work. The Hungarian infocommunications authority responsible for efficient spectrum management is motivated by the goal of making the transition as easy for consumers as possible. In light of this, Dr. Monika Kara, President of NMHH announced a large-scale targeted device replacement funding programme starting at the beginning of next year, which will provide support for eligible people to replace their outdated mobile devices.

According to Dr. Monika Karas, from the first half of 2022, consumers who want to replace their old, 3G-enabled telephones with 4G- or 5G-enabled devices, will receive a gross funding of HUF 20 000. The initiative will work similarly to the funding programme for the replacement of household devices: the programme will last until the budget provided by the NMHH is exhausted. The funding may be requested at companies that also sell mobile phones and decide to registered in the programme. NMHH will execute the programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology. At the online meeting, Dr. Monika Karas and Dr. Károly Balázs Solymár Deputy State Secretary for Digitalisation signed a statement on launching the funding programme for mobile device replacement.

Dr. Károly Balázs Solymár stressed that digitalisation has become a defining factor for the competitiveness of our national economy, without which sustainable growth is not possible. The continued development of the domestic networks is essential to realise the potential of the sector. The device replacement funding contributes to further improving the quality of domestic networks, and to the continued growth of the number of internet users. The programme will provide help primarily for the elderly by making communication within the family easier, this way improving their quality of life and sense of security.

You can learn more about the details of NMHH’s funding programme for device replacement at the Netre Fel! educational website which will provide additional tips and practical guidelines for visitors. The website focuses on the older generations who have characteristically less digital knowledge. The aim of the information campaign launched in spring is to prevent affected people from becoming disadvantaged by the lack of internet knowledge, from breaking away from the digital world and becoming isolated from the benefits of technology.