3G is Being Phased Out This Year. What Does That Mean?

By Laura Edinger, Senior Policy Analyst, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project

What is 3G?

3G stands for third generation of connective/network technology. Introduced in 2001, 3G was revolutionary compared to prior networks because it allows mobile phones and other devices to connect to the internet wherever the device is located, by using a network of phone towers to pass signals.1 Each generation after 3G launched more advanced, faster data transmission rates. Many mobile devices are now connected to 4G networks – which introduced mobile connection to streaming video and video communications. With the advent of the even more advanced 5G network, 3G networks are being phased out this year – in 2022 – to make room for infrastructure to support new services like 5G.2

Why is the 3G phaseout important?

The 3G phaseout means that older mobile phones, other devices connected to the 3G network, and some 4G phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice) will cease to function entirely. Other devices that may be impacted include certain medical devices, tablets, smart watches, vehicle SOS service, home security systems and any other products connected to the 3G network.

This means anyone using a phone or device that can only access 3G service will no longer be able to use those phones/devices for any purpose – including calling 911 to access emergency services. Consumers who rely on 3G devices as their only means of communication will also be unreachable by phone.

In the summer of 2019, around 30 million consumers nationwide were connected to 3G networks: 83% of those users did not have a 4G plan, and 13% spent most of their time in areas that did not have 4G access. Approximately 1.2 million users did not have a 4G capable phone.3 With many households having phased out landline service in favor of mobile phones, those that rely on 3G mobile phone service will effectively have communication cut off once their 3G network is discontinued.

Upgrades often come at considerable cost to the consumer. 3G phones only require basic data plans that do not provide for video streaming or video communication, which use significantly more data than simple calls/texts/basic internet plans employed under the 3G network. An upgrade to a 4G phone would necessarily include not only the cost of a new phone, but also a new – and almost certainly more expensive – data plan.

The 3G phaseout therefore has broad implications for millions of households and will have a disproportionate impact on Seniors, low income consumers, individuals with a disability, and victims of domestic violence.4 Those who cannot afford to pay the potentially steep costs of upgrades will face numerous risks to their ability to remain safely in their homes and communicate with others and will be cut off from receiving vital information.

What is the general timeframe for the phaseout?

3G services will be phased out throughout 2022. In many areas, the phaseout may have begun.5 The larger providers have given a general time frame for completion of the phaseout:

  • AT&T plans to finish shutting down its 3G network in February 2022. AT&T offers an exhaustive list of devices that will still work and devices that may need a software update to continue working.
  • Verizon plans to finish shutting down its 3G network by December 31, 2022. Verizon confirms on its support page that phones will continue to make/receive calls/texts and use data until December 31, 2022.
  • T-Mobile states that affected customers — including former Spring customers — are in the process of being contacted by T-Mobile. T-Mobile does not indicate what types of notification was sent out. T-Mobile indicates that its timeline for 3G phase out is as follows:
    • Sprint’s 3G network by March 31, 2022
    • Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022
    • T-Mobile’s 3G network by July 1, 2022
  • Other mobile carriers may still be affected, even if not included in the above list. It is important to keep in mind that many other carriers utilize the networks listed above (e.g., Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, Lively (Jitterbug), and several Lifeline providers). Those carriers will all hold to the same phaseout schedules as noted above.

What are next steps for consumers?

We encourage consumers to contact their mobile provider and/or review their providers’ websites to determine if they will be affected by the 3G phaseouts. Consumers should ask to speak with a customer service representative who is knowledgeable about the provider’s 3G phaseout plan. If it is determined that a device will be affected, we encourage consumers to discuss whether lower cost options are available. Ask whether a simple software upgrade is available or whether the provider is offering free or discounted upgrades and data plans to help consumers who must upgrade their devices or face loss of service.

  • AT&T wireless support can be reached at 844-645-1725 or 611 from a mobile device
  • Verizon customer service can be reached at 888-384-1778. Be sure to have the PIN for your phone account readily available.
  • T-Mobile general customer care can be reached at 1-800-937-8997 or 611 from a T-Mobile phone.

Remember that mobile phones are not the only devices affected by the 3G phaseout. Consumers who believe that they might be affected by the 3G phaseout should reach out to their service providers and determine if those devices will continue to function once 3G is phased out.

Consumers with medical devices (e.g. Personal Emergency Response System or mPERS) and home security or vehicle SOS services are encouraged to contact their service providers right away to determine if they might be affected by the 3G phaseout.   

As a precaution, consumers who are concerned that they may be impacted should consider providing alternative contact information to important contacts, like schools, medical providers, and utilities. Plan now for the potential loss of service.

Is there assistance available?

If providers are not offering any assistance or deals, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers programs that may be able to assist consumers:

  • Lifeline Program – provides assistance to eligible consumers with getting connected to phone and internet services. Lifeline provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low income consumers. Go to lifelinesupport.org to see if you are eligible for the program.
  • Affordable Connectivity Program – a new program that provides a discount on broadband service. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Go to www.fcc.gov/acp to see if you are eligible for the program. Consumers can use tablets to make calls using an internet connection.

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