Cell Service 3G - at EOL - AT&T Shutdown

[RicInOR]

3G Shut-Off

A number of Americans will lose cellphone service today as AT&T becomes the first major provider to switch off its 3G communications network. The decision—meant to make way for next-generation 5G networks—will render 3G devices incapable of handling calls, texts, or accessing the internet without Wi-Fi available. It is unclear how many users will be affected. Apple iPhones older than the iPhone 6 will lose function; a 2019 report suggested at least 30 million users still exclusively used 3G devices. The switch may also affect an unknown number of systems ranging from home security to medical devices. T-Mobile will follow suit in July, with Verizon switching its 3G network off Dec. 31. 5G devices are expected to be up to 10 times faster than those on 4G networks, which in turn are about 500 times faster than 3G frequencies.

Some, older devices may still work over WiFi.

Read More

 

[Alexx1401]

Tech marches on. We have a few phones through Tracfone. They warned us months ago that one of them was not going to work anymore. Its one that is kept as a backup phone. It was 4g but not something else. Can't remember what they were yammering about since bottom line was they said pick a new one free. So picked out a nice one that was normally $150 and they sent it to me free. For service that costs me $16 a month plus all the taxes I can't complain.

 

[RicInOR]

3G's Sunset Takes Aging Cars and Medical Devices With It.


"AT&T rolled out its initial 3G networks in four cities in June 2004—nearly 18 years ago. That's resulted in 3G ultimately having a shorter life span than its predecessor 2G networks, which were deployed in the early 1990s. AT&T sunset its 2G network in 2017; T-Mobile's is still active (the company will sunset its 2G network this December); and Verizon's was operational until the end of 2020. All told, 2G networks in the United States were in use for nearly 30 years in some instances."

 

[RicInOR]

Check Here To See if Your Car Will Be Affected by the 3G Shutdown

If you own a car that was built in approximately the last decade, you'll want to see if it will need (or is eligible for) an upgrade.

www.carbibles.com

"General Motors acknowledged that certain models made between 2015 and 2021 across its fleet will be affected, but it did not break down which specific vehicles across its various sub-brands of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC."