Is 3G Going Away?

3G is shutting down and some of your most essential tech may soon become unusable. What steered the evolution of how we use, interact, and communicate with technology 20 years ago will officially retire by the end of 2022, with major US carriers repurposing their satellites over the course of the year.

Will my phone work after 3G shutdown?

Some carrier websites provide lists of devices that will no longer be supported after 3G networks are shut down. You may need to upgrade to a newer device to ensure that you can stay connected, and carriers may be offering discounted or free upgrades to help consumers who need to upgrade their phones.

Is 3G going to be discontinued?

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.

Will a 3G phone work on 4G?

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 a 3G phone still work on a 5G network?

If you're in that group, you will need to act. Older devices that won't be migrated to 4G LTE or 5G will become functionally useless when 3G goes away for good: They'll still power on, but won't be able to connect to a network. And it's not just phones that will be affected.

3G Is Going Away

Will my phone still work in 2022?

Major cell phone companies will be shutting down their third generation or 3G networks in 2022, potentially making your cell phone useless. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Major cell phone companies will be shutting down their third generation or 3G networks in 2022, potentially making your cell phone useless.

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.

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.

What phones will be obsolete in 2022?

A lot of older cellphones, including the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S4, will become obsolete in 2022 as mobile providers make the switch to 5G networks.

What phones will stop working in 2022?

Will my 3G phone still work in 2022?

AT&T is the first of the big three, closing its 3G network on February 22, 2022. 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.

Are flip phones going away?

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 older phones stop working?

As a result, many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages, or use data services. It can also affect other devices that rely on 3G, including medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems, and car tracking systems. Those devices will ultimately become obsolete.

Are 4G phones being phased out?

Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.

What to do with old 3G phones?

What will replace smartphones?

Thanks to converging trends--among them 5G and AI in the cloud--the smartphone will spend the next decade acting more as a central hub before being replaced entirely by wearable screens, ubiquitous voice assistants, and ambient interfaces.

Will 4G stop after 5G?

The growth of 5G networks doesn't mean 4G is going away. Mobile carriers will use existing 4G LTE networks to provide their customers' cell service well into the next decade. 5G networks will work with 4G — not outright replace it. The upshot is that 5G-capable cell phones will still use 4G technology.

Is it worth buying a 5G phone?

Is 5G worth it? Unless you're desperate for lightning-quick speeds, for most it is unlikely to be worth the additional cost. For many, 4G speeds are still fast enough for everyday use – plus, for now, your choice of 5G network and phones is still limited.

Is 5G phone necessary?

There is only one reason to buy a phone, especially for 5G. The reason is timeline. If you are going to use your phone for more than two-three years, then you can buy a 5G phone. If you are a person who doesn't change smartphones frequently and keeps using one phone for 2-3 years, then it's worth buying a 5G phone now.

Is LTE the same as 4G?

So what's the difference between 4G and LTE, and is 4G or LTE better? In short, 4G offers a much faster speed, more stability and access to a larger variety of online activities. LTE is a half-point between 3G and 4G, so its performance suffers compared to the fourth generation.

How long will my 3G phone work?

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.

Do I need to upgrade my 3G phone?

If a 3G phone is your main device, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that you will need to upgrade it soon. “Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G,” the FCC says in a news release.

Which cell phones will be obsolete?

(CNN) - A 20-year era is coming to an end. Major cell phone carriers are boasting higher-speeds thanks to 5G, but they're also set to phase out 3G networks this year. This will render many older cell phones obsolete.

Why are some countries banning 5G?

The United States, Australia and Vietnam have banned Chinese companies from providing its 5G equipment due to security concerns. The United Kingdom is also expected to implement a complete ban following resistance from MPs.