What date will 3G phones stop working?

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.

How soon will 3G phones stop working?

(NEWS10)- 5G is here and wireless phone companies are slowly getting rid of 3G networks in 2022. Any 3G device, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, will not be able to connect to 5G networks, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Will my 3G phone still work in 2021?

All three major US carriers are shutting down their 3G networks. Here's when it's happening and how you might be affected. 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.

Can I still use my 3G phone?

When is it happening? As early as January 1, 2022, though plans and timing to phase out 3G services will vary by company and may change. Consult your 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.

Is the 3G network shutting down?

We've answered as many of these as we could, but even now as the shutdown has begun, many people still don't know where they stand. That's why this week's column is devoted to the demise of 3G, a slow process that will run through at least the end of 2022.

All of your 3G devices will lose cellular service in 2022. Here's what you need to know.

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.

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 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.

What to do with old 3G phones?

Can a 3G phone be upgraded to 4G?

If you currently own a 3G phone and want a 4G phone, just purchase a 4G phone. Then sell or gift out your old 3G phone. While it is technically possible to convert your 3G phone to 4G, it is largely impracticable. If you are looking for how to upgrade your phone to 4G, the answer is to buy a 4G phone.

Which carriers still support 3G?

In the U.S., three providers offer 3G service: AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. The fourth nationwide carrier, T-Mobile, says it will roll out its 3G network starting later this year.

Will 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 3G phones work in 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. Verizon's 3G network will shut off on December 31, 2022.

How long is 3G around for?

3G technology has been around for more than 20 years, having been released in 2001, but is expected to be phased out sometime after 2022.

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.

Will 2G phones work in 2022?

Verizon Wireless phased out its 2G CDMA network at the end of 2020. Sprint sunsetted their 2G CDMA network in December of 2021. T-Mobile plans to sunset their 2G network in December of 2022.

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

Although 3G and 5G use different technologies to send and receive data, they operate at some of the same frequencies. But according to AT&T, they can't coexist on those frequencies — the airwaves assigned to 3G customers cannot also be used for 5G customers.

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 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.

Are basic phones being phased out?

Cell phone carriers have committed to eliminating 3G service by the end of the 2022. Davidson said some providers are saying it will be early that year; others are saying it will be later. “They all have a different cutoff date,” she said.

How do I switch from 3G to LTE?

Are flip phones coming back?

If you love your smartphone, but are still nostalgic for the days when you had a flip phone, we have some good news: Flip phones are coming back, this time combined with the smartphone features we've all come to know since the last time we had a foldable device in our pockets.

Do I need 5G phone in 2022?

Yes, you'll need a new phone soon if you have a 3G phone. The largest three American mobile providers are all phasing out their 3G networks in 2022, meaning customers will need 4G or 5G phones to continue receiving service.

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.