What is AT&T shutting down?
Global behemoth AT&T Internet has declared that its 3G, or third-generation wireless network would be decommissioned in February next year. Any AT&T consumer who keeps connecting to the network using a 3G device or a 3G SIM card would suffer from this network shutdown.
What is 3G?
The third generation of wireless technology, used in the early 2000s, 3G Faster internet access on mobile devices provided by the 3G networks than on the 2G ones. Before, people could not watch movies and music videos on their phones.
Many of the big cellular carriers—AT&T among them—invested billions of dollars on network upgrades toward the 3G Network Infrastructure. For over twenty years, 3G has evolved into the basic cellular technology used worldwide including in America.
However, faster 4G LTE networks were also created and implemented after some time. Now we have 5G networks being implemented across the country as the next step in cellular connectivity. With usage reducing and the first generations of 3G equipment being outdated, implementing and sustaining archaic networks such as 3G does not make business or technical sense for carriers such as AT&T today.
That brings us to the question, why is AT&T shutting down 3G?
Late last year, telecom giant AT&T stated that it would decommission its 3G wireless network by February next year. This will finish the transformation of the carrier from 3G to the more advanced LTE and 5G networks as the main service thereafter.
Disaggregating unnecessary and low-demand 3G networks is beneficial for AT&T as it means the sparing of wireless spectrum and infrastructure. These can then be used to reinforce and underpin newer 4G LTE and 5G networks instead. Since only a tiny proportion of AT&T’s users employ 3G to access service, it is possible to conclude that the advantages of this process of ‘‘network refarming’’ outweigh the need to maintain the networks with the length of their life cycle.
Verizon and T-Mobile, Vertical Competitors, have already shut down 3G service to better utilize the frequency. This is precisely what AT&T is almost doing right now. Discontinuing 3G service also serves to prevent AT&T from investing in what would essentially be a relic alongside 4G and 5G.
Which devices will be impacted by the shutdown of 3G networks?
Any AT&T consumer who possesses a 3G-reliant device will lose cell service once the AT&T 3G network is deactivated in February 2022. This includes:
- First and second-generation cell phones and smartphones that were developed in the early and mid-2000s that only supported 3G networks.
- Some older 4G handsets can revert to 3G service in some places where the 4G signal is weak
- Some of the preparedness/outdoor safety devices
- Certain medical alert systems
- Some vehicle SOS services or roadside assistance that operate using 3G networks
- Cellular connections on Chromebook (some of the older models)
- Such tablets, hotspots, watches, and other connected devices that rely on a 3g connection only
With the deactivation of the 3G network, any customer who is still using a non-4G LTE or 5G capable device will be unable to access the AT&T network. As wireless technology has evolved most people who own phones have probably automatically switched to new phones in the past decade. However, users of products such as medical alerts, vehicle SOS buttons, and safety tools that are used in harsh terrains may still need the long battery life of the older device models that use 3G technology.
What should the affected customers do before the shutdown?
Such customers are advised to consult AT&T and upgrade their devices before February 2022 to continue receiving signals. For phone device users, a switch to a new 4G LTE or 5G smartphone should not be a complicated affair. It is also possible to contact the device manufacturers directly to inquire about 4G/5G upgrade options for other standalone items such as medical alerts, GPS trackers, or any other third-party products that have been affected.
Consumers of tablets, watches, or car assistance internet service relying on only 3G will also have to look for alternatives with 4G LTE or 5G if cellular connectivity is critical. Another solution for less significant use cases may be using cellular connectivity no more – WiFi or Bluetooth does not depend on the 3G network, for instance. It is advisable to consult with the manufacturers of devices as to how certain goods will be affected.
Sometimes, customers may have to engage with some particular software providers of devices to guarantee application compatibility and migration towards 4G or 5G networks. For instance, individuals who have 3G-only car or medical alert devices may have to reach out to those service providers for software changes or hardware upgrades if they want to maintain their link. Some of the software platforms may require new modems with 4G/5G radios or some other changes to ensure they are reliable after the 3G shutdown.
In other words, it is to stress that any action taken before February 2022 will help avoid negative consequences of the 3G sunset in AT&T. Identifying the devices in your home or business that are currently utilizing 3G and seeking out 4G/5G replacement options will help maintain wireless connection and dependability in the future.
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