The Alpharetta Police Department recently released information to help warn citizens about an upcoming change affecting older cellular phones.
Wireless carriers are going to be shutting down their 3G networks beginning as early as 2022. 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 LTE.
AT&T announced it will finish shutting down its 3G network by Feb. 2022. Verizon plans to finish shutting down its 3G network by Dec. 31, 2022.
T-Mobile says it will finish shutting down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by Mar. 31 and Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network by July 1 but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.
Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers, utilize AT&T’s, Verizon’s, and T-Mobile’s networks.
Other connected devices, such as medical devices and home security systems may also be impacted.
Important information from the FCC about this phase out: www.fcc.gov/.../plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular...
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