As the 5G revolution begins to spread all over the world, 3G is gradually being phased out. AT & T has, on February 22nd, shut down its “third generation” telecommunications network to focus on expanding its 5G technology. “Less than 1%” of its mobile data traffic runs on 3G, AT&T says.
What this means is that mobile phones with 3G that don’t support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) will no longer have access to some services which 4G and 5G devices are enjoying.
In the past, Verizon and T-Mobile have also revealed plans to shut down the 3G network, which was introduced over 20 years ago and represented a major boost in internet access speeds for cellphone users.
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In an announcement, the Federal Communications Commission urged users of mobile phones that are more than a few years old, to upgrade their devices…, to avoid losing service. “Affected devices would no longer be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages, including 911”, it advised.
The FCC says 3G data services will not work, but WiFi should continue to work.
In a September FCC filing, AT&T stated that 2.7 percent of its subscribers still use “3G-dependent devices.” Carriers say they have notified customers and given information on which phones require an upgrade.
Situations like these have occurred in the past where telcos have had to shut down networks on a global scale. AT & T was the first to do this witg the 2G network in 2017. At that time the telecommunications company claimed that 99% of its customers had started operating 3G and 4G networks, hence the need for the transition. And as more people acquire new and sophisticated gadgets that rely on internet connections, there’s a need for the transition.
AT&T’s decision will also affect millions of automobiles which rely on the 3G signal for things like in-nav traffic and location data, WiFi hotspots, emergency call services, remote lock/unlock functions, smartphone app connectivity, voice assistants, and more. The affected vehicles will still function technically as long as they’re in mechanically sound condition. The changes are mostly varying degrees of sudden technological ineptness, offset in certain cars by proactive updates from the manufacturers.
Notably, 3G devices will still work, but will no longer be able to connect to AT&T’s cellular network. With Wi-Fi access, older smartphones with apps may still download apps, play multiplayer games, and even make phone conversations using VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype. They can also use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media apps as long as they still support the outdated operating systems used by AT&T smartphones.
