Service Name: PHASE OUT OF 3G CELLULAR NETWORKS AND SERVICE

Organization Name: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

• Description: Provides information on upgrading phones before mobile providers shut down the 3G network, to avoid individuals from losing their services. 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 Long Term Evolution or High Definition Voice (VoLTE or HD Voice). 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 use, including when they inactivate older services in favor of newer services to meet consumer demands.When is this happening The phase-out of 3G networks will begin as early as January 1, 2022, though plans and timing to phase out 3G services will vary by company and may change. Please consult the 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 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network by March 31, 2022 and Sprint's 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network by June 30, 2022. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile's 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network. Note: These are dates for completing the shutdowns. Carriers may begin retiring parts of their networks sooner.If an individual's mobile carrier is not listed, they may still be affected. Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers, use AT&T's, Verizon's, and T-Mobile's networks. What do individuals need to do Individuals must contact their mobile provider or consult the provider's website for more information about their 3G retirement plan and whether the phone or other connected devices, may be affected. It is important to plan now to prevent losing 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. Individuals may need to upgrade to a newer device to ensure that they can stay connected, and carriers may be offering discounted or no-cost upgrades to help consumers who need to upgrade their phones. Also, some devices may only require a software update to enable Voice over Long Term Evolution or High Definition Voice (VoLTE or HD Voice) or other advanced services. If an individual purchased their phone independent of a mobile provider, they should be able to check whether their device is 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) with Voice over Long Term Evolution or High Definition Voice enabled by checking the phone's settings or user manual, or by searching the phone's model number on the internet, to determine whether the individual needs to purchase a new device or install a software update.Need Other Help Staying ConnectedIf providers do not cover the cost of new devices, other Federal Communications Commission programs may be able to assist eligible consumers with the cost of phone or internet services, such as: The Federal Communications Commission's California LifeLine Telephone/Wireless Programs may be able to assist eligible consumers in getting connected to phone and internet servi
• Website: http://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service
• Phone(s): N/A: No phone access available
• Hours: Website available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Eligibility: - All ages
• Requirements: None required
• Areas Served:
  • Orange United States
• Categories:
  • Cell Phones