What this means for your cell phone?
Mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are shutting down their networks that rely on older technology to make room for more advanced networks, including 5G. This means older phones and a few other devices will be useless.
The change also means your older phone will lose the ability to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Phones that will be affected include 3G cell phones and some 4G phones that don’t support Voice over LTE (Non-VoLTE), but certain medical devices, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle SOS services, home alarm systems and other products that operate utilize 3G.
When will it happen?
Some carriers were affected as early as January 1, though plans and timing will vary by carrier and could change. Your best bet is to contact your provider directly.
AT&T says it will finish shutting down its 3G network by February 2022.
T-Mobile plans to shut down Sprint’s 3G 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 net-work by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.
Verizon announced they will completely deactivate their 3G network no later than December 31, 2022.
The FCC states that if you don’t see your carrier listed here, you may still be affected. Many carriers – like Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers – utilize AT&T’s, Verizon’s, and T-Mobile’s networks.
Mobile carriers need to periodically upgrade their networks to use the latest technologies, so older networks like 3G are shut down to make room for spectrum and infrastructure to support new services like 5G.
Mobile Carrier Phone Numbers:
AT&T 800-331-0500
VERIZON 800-837-4966
T-MOBILE 800-937-8997
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