T-Mobile has pushed its 3G shutdown to July 1, 2022, after initially planning for an October closing in 2021. Sprint, now merged with T-Mobile, will close its 3G network on May 31, 2022. Verizon’s 3G network will shut off on December 31, 2022.
Can a 3G phone work on a 4G network?
Unfortunately, the ability to access the 4G network depends on your phone’s capability. So, if you have a 3G phone, you won’t have access to the 4G network. On the CDMA network, a 3G phone can access the 3G network, a 4G phone can access the regular 4G network and an LTE phone can access the 4G LTE network.
Will my 3G phone still work in 2021?
Major mobile carriers will be shutting down 3G networks in 2022 starting with AT&T, which will make the change Tuesday. The switch will make some older phones and devices useless but will make way for more advanced services, including 5G.
Can you still use a 3G phone?
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.
Will my 3G phone still work in 2022?
All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you’re with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, this may affect your phone, your home alarm system, or even your car.
What if I have a 3G phone?
What will happen to my 3G-only phone? It will stop working properly – including as a phone. While people often refer to as 3G as being useful for the wireless internet, the shutdown could also leave your phone unable to connect at all, including for calls and texts and even to the emergency services.
Will my phone work after 3G shutdown?
That all remains possible through 4G LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks. With 3G turned off, the iPhone 3GS, for example, won’t be able to make calls or text messages, but can still connect to Wi-Fi to access internet-based applications.
What happens when 3G ends?
The changes mean that affected devices will no longer be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages, including to 911, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Data services used to access the internet through 3G will also not work, but WiFi should still function, the FCC said.
What phones will not work in 2022?
Many cell phones, tablets, medical devices, and home security systems using 3G connectivity will be phased out in 2022. Older cell phones that use 3G won’t be able to make emergency calls to 911, either. AT&T announced it will shutdown 3G by Feb. 2022.
Are flip phones being discontinued?
Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down. Most of these phones, which are sometimes called “third generation” phones were launched nearly 20 years ago and will no longer work with most of the carriers in 2022.
Will 3G phones work on 5G network?
Customers with phones that only work on Sprint’s 3G CDMA network may be eligible to upgrade to a new 5G handset at no cost via special offers, which can be checked after logging in.
Will 4G phones still work in 2022?
T-Mobile and Sprint 3G/2G/4G LTE network shutdown dates
These are January 1, 2022 for Sprint’s 3G network sunset, and June 30, 2022 for the 4G LTE connections, respectively.
Are flip phones 3G?
You may be able to use Wi-Fi. But it’s not just old flip phones that are still on 3G and will be affected; some older smartphones will be affected, too—including an iPhone 5 or older model as well as several models of the Samsung Galaxy.
What 3G network is being retired to free up spectrum?
Technology progresses, and the three major cellular carriers – AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon – plan to shut down their 3G networks next year to free up spectrum and resources to expand their 5G networks. T-Mobile: T-Mobile’s UMTS 3G Network: July 1, 2022. Sprint’s CDMA 3G Network: March 31, 2022.
How long will 4G be around?
4G is expected to last for at least another decade, and possibly longer with the help of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), which shares available spectrum between 4G LTE and 5G devices. DSS provides improved coverage for 5G devices and greater longevity for 4G LTE devices.
Do 2G phones still work?
Most of America’s largest carriers have already shuttered their 2G service or plan to soon: AT&T stopped servicing its 2G network back in 2017. Verizon Wireless phased out its 2G CDMA network at the end of 2020. Sprint sunsetted their 2G CDMA network in December of 2021.
References:
- https://twigby.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/208332687-If-I-have-a-3G-phone-can-I-access-the-4G-network-
- https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2022/02/21/3-g-network-shutdown-starts-tuesday-at-t-your-phone-still-work/6883598001/
- https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service
- https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/the-3g-shutdown-how-will-it-affect-your-phone
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/know-3g-phone-check-whether-172947538.html
- https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/3g-is-shutting-down-here-are-the-gadgets-that-still-rely-on-it-do-you-have-one/
- https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/tech/att-will-shut-down-its-3g-network-tuesday-what-you-need-to-know/3566014/
- https://www.cbs17.com/news/national-news/still-have-a-device-using-3g-it-may-not-work-in-2022/
- https://www.myprimetimenews.com/some-cell-phones-will-not-work-in-2022/
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/3g-networks-are-shutting-down-how-this-affects-you/
- https://www.phonearena.com/news/t-mobile-verizon-att-sprint-2g-3g-4g-lte-network-shut-down-date_id134159
- https://techxplore.com/news/2022-01-cellphone.html
- https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/a-3g-shutdown-update-verizon-att-t-mobile-sprint/
- https://www.digi.com/blog/post/4g-to-5g-how-long-will-4g-lte-be-available
- https://www.digi.com/blog/post/2g-3g-4g-lte-network-shutdown-updates