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. . If you have a device from 2012 or before, your phones call-making ability is almost certainly kaput by now though some other features may continue to work. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Again, contact the medical device company for more details. That could create some awkward situations for travelers from overseas who might be expecting to bring their 3G phones on trips to the U.S. and pop in a local SIM card. Canceled services: All Hyundai Blue Link services will deactivate, including safety and security features such as: Automatic Crash Notification (ACN), SOS Emergency Assistance, Road Side Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Tracking. Network sunsetting has been a gradual process, but you can expect that all cellular carriers will sunset their 2G/ 3G networks by the end of 2022. @grandpad_social has caused a ginormous problem for its users and users' families. Most people who this shutdown will affect either have hand-me-down smartphones or older flip phones. All Infiniti vehicles equipped with telematics hardware compatible for use with the 3G cellular network will be unable to access Infiniti InTouch Services and Infiniti Connection features. In 2019, carriers started slowly rolling out 5G networks. The iPhone 6 and all newer iPhones are all fine; ditto for the Galaxy S5 generation of phones and later. However, some people may fall through the cracksfor instance, if you're using a hand-me-down phone for which your carrier doesn't have a current ownership record. What's up? @Consumer_Cell Finally activated! Most of the 3G-capable phones folks had been using on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks arent able to tap into the latest networks though some remain compatible on existing 4G LTE networks. But it's far better than the rest we tried. spokesperson Megan Daly said the. document.write('Mga Kahilingan para sa Alternatibong Format'); Canceled services: AcuraLink Premium: Personal concierge services to make hotel, restaurant, or airline reservations. Cellcom(Opens in a new window) in Wisconsin says it will retire 3G only "at some point," and C Spire in Mississippi is equally vague. T-Mobile/Sprint will follow, with Sprint's 3G network by March 31, Sprint's 4G network by June 30, and T-Mobile . These outages, which have been reported in various parts of the country, have resulted in a loss of service access for many users. I tried the refresh feature on My CC & it doesn't work either. The good news is these shutdowns shouldn't affect very many people. document.write('Consumer Help Center'); He is vice president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos. AT&T started taking its 3G towers offline in February of last year. Remedy: GM has been pushing over-the-air software updates to affected models so they can work on 4G LTE networks. Find out what is going on. } While T-Mobile will continue to run this 2G network for a while, it's best to pretend that network isn't thereit isn't a good network and is frustrating to use. They stop for a month or 2 then start again. document.write('Alternate Format Requests') Ditch your cellular contract today! Certain home security systems, in-car SOS services, Kindle readers, medical devices, smartwatches, tablets and other devices have also been dependent on 3G. document.write('FCCFCC'); At the same time, carriers are shutting down older 3G networks. But be prepared toshop for a new phone. Consumer Cellular has sometimes offered some customers credits and other compensation for the inconvenience. Let's break down exactly what is happening and what you can expect. Having access to two full-fledged networks after the merger with Sprint gives T-Mobile more leeway in what bands and frequencies it can offer to customers. Use the AARP Auto Buying Program to find your next safe car! It is important to plan now so that you don't lose connectivity, including the ability to call 911. For more on that, see our story on why your AT&T smartphone may suddenly stop working. @Consumer_Cell Not really att esim is terrible and slow. Still, while the number of phones affected isn't large, it's not an insignificant figure. The company offers cellphones, no-contract cellphone plans, and accessories with a focus on users age 50-plus. Most are internet-of-things devices.". We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, (Image credit: Jason Kempin/WireImage vis Getty Images), FCC's own web page explaining the 3G network shutdown, What to watch in March 2023: 15 new shows and movies streaming on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more, OnePlus Pad why Im actually excited about this Android tablet, MWC 2023 live blog: OnePlus Pad, Lenovo rollable phones, Honor Magic5 Pro and latest news, Best of MWC 2023 the top phones, tablets and accessories, 5 things you should never clean with a Magic Eraser, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. The bad news is that the burden likely falls on you to contact service providers to see if impacted devices are upgradeable. AT&T's 3G Shutdown - Coming February 2022 Earlier this week, AT&T (poorly) warned. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Not just flip phones and feature phones are affected. No contracts. If your device is not listed here, but you still want to confirm status, visit a store or call 800-455-8521. The move to faster, more modern internet connectivity has left some older vehicles in the lurch. @Consumer_Cell Is there an outage my phone isnt working and I have called the company and the line keeps getting cut. // Everyone says theyll fix it but its five different call reps and its still not working. You will be asked to register or log in. Some of our recent reviews include: The Sunbeam F1, our Editors' Choice winner on the Verizon network, The more versatile, dual-SIM Nokia 6300 4G, The 3G networks are very old. If you do, someone from the company needs to replace your primary alarm box. However, it's now anticipated sometime in 2022. VinFast Delivers First 45 VF8s to U.S. Customers, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, 20142016 A3 (2014 A3 Sportback pictured), 20122013 Fusion (2013 Fusion Titanium pictured), 20122015 models with Blue Link (except Sonata with navigation and Genesis), 2016 Elantra, Elantra GT, Veloster (without navigation), Sonata Hybrid, Santa Fe, Equus, 20182020 Accord Touring, Odyssey Touring/Elite (2018 Accord Touring pictured), 20192022 Pilot Touring/Elite/Black Edition, Range Rover Evoque (2016 Evoque pictured), 20112015 Leaf (any upgraded by customer after 2G sunset), 20152019 Cayenne (2015 Cayenne Turbo pictured), 20162018 Forester, Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek (2016 Forester pictured), 20122015 Model S built before June 2015 (2013 Model S pictured), 20112017 Land Cruiser (2012 Land Cruiser pictured), 20102019 4RunnerMost every 20102018 Lexus, 20142019 Passat, Jetta, Eos, Tiguan, Beetle, Golf, e-Golf, GTI, Golf R, Golf Sportwagen (2014 Beetle convertible pictured). Verizon: Dec. 31, 2022. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. 3G shutdown - latest: AT&T closes 3G network amid confusion over phone and security systems; AT&T becomes first top network to shut down 3G amid fears of disabling millions of home and car safety . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. else if (languages === "Vietnamese") { All 3G devices will lose cellular service in 2022 as service providers begin to turn off their 3G networks in the United States. Just like their advertising suggests, for older people with limited data needs, a 2-line plan can be $26.50 per line (including taxes and fees), with a shared 3 GB and unlimited talk and text. } If you have a third party provider such as Consumer Cellular, Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, etc. Lexus Enform Destination Assist including 24-hour live response center agent. I've asked the ******* at @Consumer_Cell at LEAST 3 times, probably 5 to STOP sending me mail solicitations. If your mobile carrier is not listed here, you may still be affected. But that's the plan, at least. If you really want Intl coverages, buy another phone. Here are the key dates that older devices on T-Mobile's network will be shut down, according to the carrier: Sprint's older 3G (CDMA) network: March 31, 2022. If you have a service plan and have not heard from your carrier, log into your account to double check. "They need that spectrum they're using for 3G for more advanced services, for 4G and 5G," agreed Bill Menezes, a director analyst at market research firm Gartner. Consumer Cellular Review 2022. } For more information and updated timeframes visit: FCC 3G cellular networks information AT&T's 3G: Feb. 22, 2022 Sprint's 3G: March 31, 2022 Sprint's LTE: June 30, 2022 T-Mobile's 2G and 3G: July 1, 2022 Of course, there was an emergency at home. Stream music online using your touchscreen. While they may continue to support SOME areas on 3G until the 2022 date - your particular area MAY or MAY NOT be one of those areas that are slated for earlier transition. // If you are in a crash, the vehicles built-in sensors can still transmit an Automatic Crash Response alert and the vehicles location to OnStar. The 3G shutdown will affect everyday devices you probably own To move its mobile customers over to 4G without service interruptions, AT&T (T), which owns CNN's parent company, has been. Some areas may be upgrading sooner than others. AT&T (T), which owns CNN's parent company, is shutting it down on February 22; T-Mobile. They've had ample time to prepare workarounds for car owners who will see services they likeand in some cases, those critical for safety in an accidenteither disappear or require expensive upgrades. Access over-the-air software updates. T-Mobile's older 3G UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network: July 1, 2022. Plans and timing to phase out 3G services will vary by company and may change. for 1 line. Consumer Cellular is an American postpaid mobile virtual network operator founded in 1995. For more details, check out The Drive's coverage(Opens in a new window) of affected car models and what car manufacturers have committed to do. If you are curious, see my phone's mobile network settings on AT&T vs T-Mobile below. Below are the automakers that have made public information available (we copied what the automakers published they would cancel word for word, to avoid any confusion between their various brand-specific services and subscriptions). too. Their devices are installed in homes to report break-ins, fires and medical emergencies and includeemergency button and pendant servicesthat help older adults stay in their homes. 3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. Sprint took our money and provided NO service. These att speeds are terrible! Are you experiencing issues or an outage? AT&T is operating under a similar plan to move customers toward newer products, and its 3G network service is expected to be shut down by February 2022 . AT&T is first up, planning to turn off 3G in February. This means that the following features will no longer be available after the 3G network has sunset. What happens to 3G phones after that date? He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. Meanwhile, the FCC has two programs that aim to make communications services more affordable for low-income customers: theAffordable Connectivity Program(ACP), an expanded and permanent version of 2021s Emergency Broadband Benefit, and its Lifeline program, originally established in 1985. I wouldn't use their service if they gave me $10.00/mo. Consumer Cellular is probably trying to move everyone off 3G before their phones just stop working. "Almost every car these days has an internet connection built-in. What was worse is the chat window was not open at 10 am EST.