April 8, 2022
Telecoms companies will shutdown the 3G network in 2022.
AT & T closed its 3G network on February 22, 2022, T-Mobile will shutdown its 3G network on July 1, 2022, Sprint will close its 3G network on May 31, 2022, and Verizon will shutdown its 3G network on December 31, 2022.
Users will need to upgrade their devices, in particular smartphones, to 4G LTE and 5G, as they will not be able to make calls or send text messages after 3G is finally switched off. Also, only smartphones launched after 2014 will not be affected by the 3G shutdown.
Apart from smartphones, 3G disconnection will affect a wide range of other gadgets, including crash alarms in cars, home security and alarms, medical alarms, fire alarms, inventory trackers, smartwatches, Kindles e-readers (Kindles, Nooks), GPS trackers and marine safety devices.
Since upgrading to newer devices and networks is now a must, users need to check that their device will still be working after the final 3G shutdown. If not, they need to upgrade.
Carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon are helping their customers switch to 4G and 5G service plans with trade-in offers.
They also offer incentives that allow users to exchange their 3G-supported phone for a 5G-supported one free of charge.
The FCC’s Lifeline program offers monthly discounts on phone and Internet services to low-income consumers.
The sources for this piece include an article in ZDNet.
