Posted on 02/11/2022 5:55:40 AM PST by Red Badger
If your mobile phone is more than a few years old, you may need to upgrade your device before your mobile provider shuts down its 3G network, to avoid losing service. For more information on your mobile providers' plans for 3G retirement and how you can prepare, contact your provider directly.
What is happening?
Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice).
Learn more about other connected devices, such as medical devices and home security systems that may be impacted below.
When is it happening?
As early as January 1, 2022, though plans and timing to phase out 3G services will vary by company and may change. Consult your mobile provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
AT&T announced that it will finish shutting down its 3G network by February 2022.
Verizon announced that will finish shutting down its 3G network by December 31, 2022.
T-Mobile announced that it will finish shutting down Sprint's 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022 and Sprint's 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile's 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.
If your mobile carrier is not listed here, you may still be affected. Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers, utilize AT&T's, Verizon's, and T-Mobile's networks.
Note: These are dates for completing the shutdowns. Carriers may begin retiring parts of their networks sooner.
What do I need to do?
Contact your mobile provider or consult your provider's website for more information about their 3G retirement plan and whether your phone, or other connected device, may be affected. It is important to plan now so that you don't lose connectivity, including the ability to call 911.
Some carrier websites provide lists of devices that will no longer be supported after 3G networks are shut down. You may need to upgrade to a newer device to ensure that you can stay connected, and carriers may be offering discounted or free upgrades to help consumers who need to upgrade their phones.
Some devices may only require a software update to enable VoLTE (HD Voice) or other advanced services. If you purchased your phone independent of a mobile provider, you should be able to check whether your device is 4G LTE (with VoLTE or HD Voice) enabled by checking your phone's settings or user manual, or by searching your phone's model number on the internet, to determine whether you need to purchase a new device or install a software update.
Does this just impact phones?
No, other devices, such as certain medical devices, tablets, smart watches, vehicle SOS services, home security systems, and other connected products may be using 3G network services. And don't forget about devices that use cellular connectivity as a back-up when a wired internet connection goes down. If the device is not labeled, contact the monitoring company or other service provider to confirm how the device connects and whether your device may be impacted.
Why are 3G networks being phased out?
As mobile carriers seek to upgrade their networks to use the latest technologies, they periodically shut down older services, such as 3G, to free up spectrum and infrastructure to support new services, such as 5G. Similar transitions have happened before. For example, some mobile carriers shut down their 2G networks when they upgraded their networks to support 4G services. Mobile carriers have the flexibility to choose the types of technologies and services they deploy, including when they decommission older services in favor of newer services to meet consumer demands.
Need Other Help Staying Connected?
As mentioned above, your mobile service provider may be offering special deals on new devices, including some deals that might include a free cell phone.
In addition, although they do not cover the cost of new devices, other FCC programs may be able to assist eligible consumers with the cost of phone or internet services:
The FCC's Lifeline program may be able to assist eligible consumers in getting connected to phone and internet services. The program provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. You can learn more about the Lifeline Program and find out if you may be eligible here. In addition, The FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, what it covers, and find out if you may be eligible here.
Additional Resources
To learn more about 5G, visit our FAQs page.
For more on the FCC's 5G strategy, visit the FCC's America's 5G Future.
For more information on consumer issues, visit the FCC's Consumer Help Center at www.fcc.gov/consumers.
Alternate formats
To request this article in an alternate format - braille, large print, Word or text document or audio - write or call us at the address or phone number at the bottom of the page, or send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov.
I just upgraded to a newer phone 5g. For $150. There were cheaper options too. I want to say that they had a free one too, but can’t remember for sure. I use cricket, and it’s unlimited service for $35 a month.
Progress supposedly equals convenience. BOTH are certainly
expensive. Years ago it was record players and vinyl LPs. Then 8 track, cassette, CDs and MP3. They do enjoy finding
the means to make one pay. “Sixteen Tons”. Now buying a new car and the monthly payments made to be able to use the devices purchased with that car will be costing a small fortune. They caught us all in their spider web of progress/convenience. Devious creatures.
I have no need for 5G. 4G LTE is fast enough. The CCP and others are already planning for 6G and 7G. Surveillance state here we come! Cash transactions banned here we come! Mark of the beast, here we come!
I can see a future where if you want to communicate in 7G and possess a 7G phone. That you will have to get chipped and you must carry a QR code in your phone (aka Gov’t tracking device) that reveals your medical and Covid-29 vaxxxx status
4G LTE is being phased out as well..............
I’m interested in satellite phones. One guy was on War Room yesterday and it sounded pretty good (Satellite Phone Store). The closest they can be located is 50 miles (IIRC), instead of a few feet with cellular. Other good privacy options.
I know they’ve been around for several years, as my friend took one with him hiking alone in god-forsaken areas of northern California. But with cellular so intrusive, sat phones might take off. Plans are expensive for now, but that could change if people make them popular.
“The 5G move is really only for Big Tech profit.”
I think it’s more insidious than profits. Facilitates more government intrusion, I think.
“The 5G move is really only for Big Tech profit. Almost no one will get faster service, in fact the rural customers are getting screwed as stuff is shutdown.”
I’ve said this before. 5G gives greater speed and simultaneous connections in a given area. With closer-spaced towers it allows the location of a user to be more accurately determined.
I won’t pass judgment.
Regarding rural customers, are they going to sprinkle enough shorter-range 5g towers out in sparsely populated areas so those customers get service? Are some rural customers going to lose service?
“Then he called all the other employees out of the back room to check it out”
A sales guy at our T-Mobile store did the same thing when I brought in my BlackBerry Classic. (The kind Hillary smashed.) Everyone (kids) acted like it was a rotary dial phone. Turns out he LOVES the Classic but hadn’t seen one in a while. I don’t know if it’ll work after this change. It’s basically 3G, but you can go to settings and select 4G.
Rural areas will stay on 4G for awhile. 5G doesn’t have much benefit except for congested areas where bandwidth is at a premium. The only 4G network that’s being retired is Sprint, and that’s because it’s redundant.
Intrusions even into our bodies, if a lot of these government and commercial documents outlining how those frequencies can interact with nanoparticles in our bloodstream are correct ,and there are more being exposed every day. Here’s a short report, this is NOT science fiction.
https://www.bitchute.com/video/eacKiO9SIwWe/
It would seem their would be market for those who want to stay on 3G. Just one carrier could make a bundle on old geezer phones.
Unfortunately it is the airwaves that are going to be re-used in someway. FCC involved to the hilt.
“I’m interested in satellite phones. One guy was on War Room yesterday and it sounded pretty good (Satellite Phone Store). “
I heard that and was intrigued.
I'm wondering if my Samsung Watch 3 will be impacted. I have the 4G LTE model. I can only wear it intermittently. The fancy sensors for SP02 and pulse cause a 2nd degree burn on my skin directly below the sensor window. Lots of other owners complained about the same issue. Samsung called my watch back for 5 weeks. I spent hours on the phone trying to either get a refund or have my property returned. They claimed to have performed some "repair". It was returned. No change in behavior. Disappointing. It's a great watch.
I have heard that a simple solution, though not perfect, is to put a piece of Mylar yellow tape over the sensor on the back of the watch...........
“The 5G move is really only for Big Tech profit.”
It goes beyond profit. We are talking about control. . . leading to the NWO and the Tribulation with a capital T.
“4G LTE is being phased out as well...........”
WRONG
I “upgraded” to a thirty dollar phone—I just use it to make calls—no apps, no video.
They are out there....
That's what it says..............
No, navigation systems do not require the use of 3G to work.
“That’s what it says..............”
Sprint is going away due to merger with T-Mobile. T-Mobile will continue 4G LTE for many years.
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