All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you're with AT&T,
Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down. Most of these phones, which are sometimes called “third generation” phones were launched nearly 20 years ago and will no longer work with most of the carriers in 2022.
Any device with a 3G cellular connection or a Sprint 4G LTE connection will be affected by the 2022 3G Shutdown.
Is it OK to buy a 4G phone in 2023? 4G phones still work on 4G LTE networks for now, but eventually they will become obsolete. Consider how long you plan to keep your phone; if you plan to keep your phone for longer than a year or so, it might be a good idea to get a phone that is 5G compatible.
The company's top chief, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2022, said that 6G mobile networks, once operational, could make smartphones obsolete. “By then, the smartphone as we know it today will not be the most common interface. Many of these things will be built directly into our bodies,” Lundmark was quoted.
Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.
The first 4G LTE sunset announcements are expected after 2030, which means that companies can safely invest in 4G-based IoT solutions today and for the foreseeable future.
If you see 4G, LTE, or 4G LTE, your phone is safe and will continue to work after the 3G networks are shut down.
Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services.
If you own an older cellphone with 3G, be aware that in 2022, some of your electronics will stop working because of a 5G upgrade. If you own an older cellphone with 3G or a Kindle, be aware that in 2022 some of your electronics will stop working because of a 5G upgrade.
On Android smartphones, go to settings > Network settings > mobile network. It should give you a dropdown menu of mobile standards such as 2G, 3G or LTE (4G). If you don't see 4G or LTE, then your smartphone doesn't support the standard.
The Apple iPhone 7 has now been configured for use of 4G networks.
Contact your carrier if you're not sure. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. If you see this screen, your device is 5G capable.
Google Pixel/stock Android phones
Open Settings> Network & Internet> SIMs> Preferred network type>Choose 5G.
OLDER phones might stop working in 2022 as 3G networks will be retired. Other devices that use 3G, including some medical alert devices, tablets, smartwatches and home security systems might also stop operating. The older phones will likely lose the ability to text, connect to the internet and make phone calls.
Apple may scrap iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max this year. Additionally, it may stop selling iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. That leaves us with iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus.
For this reason, telcos in Australia have decided to repurpose the 3G spectrum band. Telstra has confirmed it will shut down its 3G network on June 30, 2024, with Vodafone flicking the switch a few months earlier on December 15, 2023.
Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy S10e are no longer eligible for Android security updates. The three phones have reached the End of Life as they were launched four years back.
Eventually, in an estimated 15 to 20 years when there are few 4G LTE devices in use, most if not all of the spectrum will be used for 5G.