What is AT&T shutting down?
Declaring that the company would be closing its 3G wireless network in February 2022, AT&T recently released a statement. This network shutdown affects any customer still utilizing any 3G service under the AT&T network or possessing a 3G device.
What is 3G?
The third generation, or 3G, is a networking technology standard enabling access to the internet for purposes including browsing, streaming, and others by devices like mobile phones and tablets. Originally unveiled in early 2000, 3G marked a significant departure from earlier 2G networks and helped mobile phones become very popular.
Unfortunately, the conventional 3G has since been supplanted by more recent wireless technologies like 4G LTE and the newest 5G. More significantly, because 4G LTE provides faster speed and capability than any other contemporary portable gadget, almost all of them depend on it for their internet connection today. For service providers like AT&T, therefore, it is unsustainable to keep servicing outdated 3G networks.
Why is AT&T choosing to shut down 3G?
By February 2022, AT&T said it would be phasing down its 3G wireless networks and refocusing its efforts to improve the use of the network for other services. Closing 3G lets them recycle the old 3G frequency space as most of the traffic is now on 4G LTE and 5G.
This will especially aid AT&T in extending and enhancing their 5G network utilizing this regained bandwidth from 3G. Because AT&T is one of the market leaders in the United States, offering more 5G connections is crucial to maintaining market share in today’s landscape of wireless technologies.
Which devices are going to be affected?
The shutdown will affect any AT&T Internet consumer who may still be using a gadget that relies on the 3G network as of February 2022. This includes:
- Some of the earliest models are from the 2000s and some of the models have 3G connectivity for voice and data services.
- Previous smart-connected tablets, watches, and other wearable devices based on the 3G network
- Certain vehicle SOS and data services will rely on 3G networks
- Smart home and business security, fire alarms, medical, and other IoT devices that rely on the 3G network
The issue is that any device still requiring 3G wireless connectivity to operate will be affected once AT&T shuts down the network next year.
What to do if I have a 3G device?
If you are using any device that relies on 3G, AT&T advises switching to a device with 4G LTE or 5G capabilities before February 2022. This may require replacing or upgrading.
- Your current mobile phone or handphone
- Your connected car for SOS and data services
- Your home or business alarm system.
- Pagers, tablets, smartwatches, and many others
It is advised to consult the device manufacturer to find out whether the device requires an update to continue wirelessly connecting through AT&T once the 3G gets terminated.
You may also need to make a call to your mobile/internet service provider to change your package or phone. AT&T is providing promotions that allow customers to upgrade before the deadline but you can still make the switch by February to find a suitable 4G or 5G replacement equipment.
However, acting now entails sufficient time for replacing devices other than when the network retirement date is near. It also ensures that shopping gets inventory for the most popular items during this holiday season.
Am I going to be cut off altogether if I fail to upgrade?
In other words, once AT&T turns off the 3G network, your device or service that depends on this network will function abnormally. Voice calls, texting, internet access, and any data transmission will cease to work if the 3G infrastructure that supports it is not maintained.
Still, AT&T states that the customer may continue to attempt a limited number of domestic outgoing 911 dialing using deactivated 3G hardware during the transition period. However, most 2G and 3G dependent services will cease operations entirely so upgrading equipment before the switch is paramount to not lose wireless communications.
What is the expected date of the 3G shutdown?
It has been planned by AT&T to completely decommission their 3G network by February next year. The specific date in February on which the shutdown will occur has not yet been stated.
This provides more than a year for the current 3G product users to upgrade their devices and services to new technology and avoid the cutoff. As to that, it may seem far off but it may be wise not to wait when it comes to upgrading essential safety and communication technologies in cars, homes, or offices.
The transition from 3G to 4G LTE and 5G has been a gradual process that has been taking place for years with all the carriers. And finally, ceasing the use of old facilities for communications creates a fresh wireless spectrum for fueling innovation and improvement. AT&T may represent the last major operator in the shift from the progressively outdated 3G technology with mobile networks persistently progressing forward.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.