Cellular providers are planning to phase out 3G devices by the end of 2022, and the affected cellphones and other devices will be unable to call 911.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), major cellular providers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) are planning to phase out 3G cellular service and devices by the end of this year.
The FCC stated in an October 2021 article that as the providers phase out all 3G devices, those devices will no longer be able to make or receive calls or texts. That includes 911 calls.
The major cellular providers have different completion dates for the 3G phase out:
- AT&T: A complete 3G network shutdown is planned by February 28.
- T-Mobile: A complete 3G network shutdown is planned by March 31.
- Verizon: A complete 3G network shutdown is planned by December 31.
The completion dates above are estimates which means that 3G services could be phased out earlier than those dates.
Users of smaller cellular providers such as Cricket, Boost, and others may also be affected by the 3G phase out since those smaller providers often utilize larger networks, according to the FCC.
Many charitable organizations and homeless shelters offer out-of-service phones that can still connect to 911. These organizations should double-check to ensure that those phones are still active once the 3G service is phased out.
A ‘Lifeline’ program is offered by the FCC which assists eligible low-income consumers with purchasing cellular or landline service.
Anyone who has concerns over whether or not their device will be affected by the phase out should contact their service provider, especially if they have no other way to contact emergency services.