If you happen to still have an old cell phone that relies on 3G (third generation) technology, be prepared to be dragged into the future whether you like it or not. 3G has been around for 20 years and was superseded by 4G in 2012. All major carriers will end support for 3G-only phones next year (AT&T in February, T-Mobile in March, and Verizon in December). If you happen to have one of these phones, they will simply stop working one day. This change will help carriers reallocate little-used wireless frequencies for 5G and other future technologies. The good news is that carriers have been proactively reaching out to customers with these end-of-life devices and offering to provide a more modern phone for next to nothing. If you haven’t heard from your carrier, or you purchased your phone within the last eight years or so, then you have nothing to worry about. At least until 2030 when 4G will begin to be retired!
The End of 3G Phones
Updated: Nov 4, 2022
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