Is there a chance for 3G Nokia 3310 (2017)?

While Nokia 6 is quite popular device and in minds of many Nokia fans, Nokia 3310 is even bigger champ. The popularity of this phone surpasses the popularity of Nokia 5 and 3 according to the GSMArena’s poll. Well, that isn’t strange since we loved the original so much and 3310 is able to take 17 years of someone’s life.

But, while Nokia 6, 5 and 3 are slowly but surely coming to markets all around the world, Nokia 3310 won’t be available in some big markets like Australia and US. The problem lies in the configuration of networks in those countries, or better say lack of 2G that was recently shut down. Nokia 3310 (2017) is not 3G phone, so there is no way to be used in AU or USA. Or is there?

The CEO of HMD Global Arto Nummela said in an interview for Finder that HMD is respecting the wishes of Nokia’s fans and that they will try to find a way for them to enjoy in 3310 (via NPU). Because of the fans they made the 3310 (2017). Ok, maybe they did it because it is great marketing move, but this makes us question if HMD will make 3G Nokia 3310.

Few weeks ago we wrote about HMD being in talks with USA operators to start using the 1900 MHz spectrum so that Nokia 3310 could be used there. T-Mobile USA is the only operator using that specific spectrum so we assumed it could come there exclusively. FCC entry confirmed that HMD is making  Nokia 3310 that supports the frequencies specific for USA operators.

Maybe the same will happen for Australian market since we know that Nummela spoke with Mr. Elop, who is by the way the CTO of biggest Aussie operator, Telstra.

3G version of the 3310 (2017) would made the production more expensive, and maybe complicated since new chip-set and radios would be needed.

So, my best guess is HMD will try to find a way for Nokia 3310 (2017) to function on newest networks in Australia and USA by using supported bands, but not 3G. This is much cheaper and more possible to do than to make new model. Or HMD will just make 3G Nokia 3310 but this time Nokia 3310 (2018)?.