Do you know that all the major US carriers are shutting down 3G networks? Are you wondering will shutting 3G affect your phone? Do not worry. We are here to guide you through to protect your device. We present to you a complete guide on how will shutting 3G affect your phone.
2022 will go down in history as an end to the 3G era, which was first introduced to the world in 2002. 3G was a data-only service, which gained popularity by the launch of iPhones in 2007. Later 3G connectivity was enabled in Android devices also, which led to the demand of smartphones.
3G device users are concerned of how shutting 3G affect your phone. All the major 3G networks in the US, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are scheduled to be shut down in 2022. This will affect all systems that operate on 3G like your smartphones, house alarm systems, car and navigation systems. Unless you upgrade your devices, you will notice operational dysfunction of the devices.
How Will Shutting 3G Affect Your Phone?
Are you using an old or outdated device that is not compatible with the current 4G and 5G? or Do you use a second-hand or hand-me-down device? If not, you are safe. The carriers have made an official statement that they will contact all users by phone or postcard of shutting 3G affect your phone.
CTIA reports state that over 9% of all wireless connections in the US use 2G or 3G devices. These devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, home alarm systems, Kindle e-readers, machinery, navigation systems and medical alert devices. Shutting 3G affect your phone along with all of these devices.
Phones and tablets that currently support Wi-Fi connections will continue to operate as usual by accessing internet-based applications. If you are using a smartphone launched anytime after 2014, you will not have issues with shutting 3G affect your phone.
Related : How To Fix 5G Not Working On iPhone/iPad? 6 Quick Fixes To Try!
1. Talk To Your Service Provider
If you are looking for the most updated and official information on how will shutting 3G affect your phone, then talk to your service provider. You will be able to know if your device will be functioning after the shut down. All major service providers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have a list of supported devices.
If you have purchased your phone through Amazon or from the gray market, then contact your service provider to know more about how will shutting 3G affect your phone. If you have purchased your phone from another country or using an imported device, it is possible that shutting 3G affect your phone.
2.Check The Purchase Date
Are you wondering how to know if your device is 3G supported? If your phone displays 4G LTE or 5G in the status bar, with the Wi-Fi turned off, then it shows that the shutting of 3G affect your phone. Another important information that determines if shutting 3G affect your phone is the purchase date of your phone.
- iPhone 6 and all newer versions of the Apple device will not be affected by the 3G shut down.
- Galaxy S5 generation on Android phones and all newer version will be safe from the 3G shut down.
- All smartphones launched after 2014 will not be affected.
- All flip phones launched after 2017 will be safe from the 3G shut down.
Related : Best Samsung’s Upcoming 5g Phones 2021.
3. Check Your Emails And Text Messages
All the service providers have stated that they will reach out to all users who will be directly affected by the 3G shut down. So, keep checking for emails and text messages from your carrier. If you fear that shutting 3G affect your phone, look out for email instructions from your service provider. You can also directly contact them via the hotline for direct guidance. They will redirect your calls to a customer service line to help you through the process.
When Will Be The 3G Shut Down?
Many service providers have officially announced the complete shut down of their 3G networks, while others have scheduled it for later in 2022. This 3G phase out will vary between different carriers. You can contact your service provider directly or look up on their official website for official statements.
- AT&T was the first among the big three carriers to shut down their 3G network on Feb 22,2022.
- T-Mobile announced the shut down of all 3G networks on May 31, 2022.· Sprint, that has now merged with T-Mobile, also shut down their 3G services on May 31,2022.
- Verizon has scheduled to shut down their 3G service from Dec 31, 2022, making it crystal clear to all users that this date will no longer be prolonged.
- If your mobile carrier is not listed here, then open FCC’s official website to get more information on when the service providers are shutting down all 3G networks and how will shutting 3G affect your phone.
What To Do If Your Phone Is Affected By The 3G Shut Down?
Are you concerned as the only phone you have works on 3G networks? We understand that you must be worried that you are about to loose your network connectivity and eventually the functionality of your phone. To avoid this, we suggest that you get a new 4G or 5G compatible phone, as advised by the Federal Communications Commission.
When you buy a new device check if it supports 4G LTE and even 5G networks. Check with your service provider if they offer any incentive program to cover your loss, for upgrading to a new device. The FCC’s Lifeline program will discount your purchase of the new device if you qualify.
If you do not want to upgrade to a new device then contact your service provider to cancel the line associated, to stop paying for the phone that you no longer use.
Related : Why Does My iPhone Say No Sim (2023)? 8 Reasons Why!
Wrap Up
The world is advancing at a very fast pace. New technological innovations and technical developments are happening all around us. As consumers, it is our responsibility to know about all the existing technologies and work our way forward. Let us not be stuck to an outdated network, which could be revamped into exciting newer versions. We hope that with the help of this article you can understand how will shutting 3G affect your phone, and upgrade your device to the latest version, to stay connected with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 When Will 3G Be Shut Down?
· AT&T was the first among the big three carriers to shut down their 3G network on Feb 22,2022.
· T-Mobile announced the shut down of all 3G networks on May 31, 2022.
· Sprint, that has now merged with T-Mobile has also shut down their 3G services on May 31,2022.
· Verizon has scheduled to shut down their 3G service from Dec 31, 2022, making it crystal clear to all users that this date will no longer be prolonged.
Q2 What Are The Devices That Will Be Affected By The 3G Shut Down?
CTIA reports state that over 9% of all wireless connections in the US use 2G or 3G devices. These devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, home alarm systems, Kindle e-readers, machinery, navigation systems and medical alert devices. Shutting 3G affect your phone along with all of these devices.
Q3 What To Do If Your Phone Is Affected By The 3G Shut Down?
Are you concerned as the only phone you have works on 3G networks? We understand that you must be worried that you are about to loose your network connectivity and eventually the functionality of your phone. To avoid this, we suggest that you get a new 4G or 5G compatible phone, as adviced by Federal Communications Commission.
When you buy a new device check if it supports 4G LTE and even 5G networks. Check with your service provider if they offer any incentive program to cover your loss, for upgrading to a new device. The FCC’s Lifeline program will discount your purchase of the new device if you qualify.
