Check Old Phones, Service Provides Shutting Down 3G Networks

Monday, March 21st, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) If your cell phone is more than a few years old, you may need an upgrade, mobile provider shuts down its 3G network.

Madison College Professor Steve Noll, “Whoever you’re getting your service from, it’s important to check with them right away, and find out . . is it a 3G phone, is it a 4G phone. If it’s a 3G phone, you need to get it replaced ASAP. Especially with things like 911 services, it’s very possible that could be shut off any day now. People that rely on a cell phone for any emergency, you don’t want to be caught all of a sudden not having a signal.”

As mobile carriers phase out their 3G networks to make room for more advanced services like 5G, customers need to be aware the transition could impact devices other than phones.

According to Noll, “There’s a lot of other non-phone related devices, especially like medical alert devices, that may still use the older 3G technology. So anyone that has anything like that  . . .  you need to check.”

Noll continued, “What I think a lot of people don’t realize is they’re also off the older system, the 3G networks. Some of those have already been turned off, it depends on the carrier. ATT has already shut down, the other carriers have said sometime in 2022.”

Noll says if you’re unsure, check directly with your provider.

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