Elderly Japanese flock to smartphone classes as 3G network shuts down

NTT Docomo, Japan's largest mobile carrier, discontinued its 3G service at the end of March, completing the nationwide shutdown of 3G networks. This final step followed earlier closures by carriers like au in 2022 and SoftBank in 2024, driven by the need to retire inefficient base stations and reduce electricity consumption.

The 3G network shutdown directly impacted an estimated 500,000 users and over 400 phone models previously reliant on the service. Beyond personal communication devices, this obsolescence extends to critical infrastructure, including early car navigation systems, cashless payment vending machines, and unstaffed car parks utilizing 3G for remote management.

In response, mobile carriers offer beginner smartphone classes, guiding users through essential functions and online security. These sessions address common anxieties among new users, such as navigating complex interfaces, understanding app functions, and even basic tasks like making calls or taking photos. Many participants, often in their 70s, express intimidation but remain determined to avoid digital isolation.

Despite the clear benefits of modern connectivity, users report significant challenges. Managing passwords is frequently cited as a major annoyance that causes individuals to abandon new smartphones. However, the draw of features like health trackers, weather forecasts, travel planners, and social media apps motivates many to overcome these hurdles.

This mandatory digital migration highlights the necessity for ongoing support and accessible education as technology evolves. How nations manage these transitions for all demographics will indicate future success in global digital inclusion.