Following the switch to the 5G network for a better, internet experience, especially in terms of speed, top companies that offer cell phone service are phasing out cellphone compatible with 3G.
This necessary phasing out will also affect phones used only for the purpose of calling 911 services and some older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice).
This change will affect handsets like the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, and Samsung Galaxy S4, as well as many flip phones beginning from 2022.
The FCC said mobile carriers will phase out 3G phones in 2022 (Photo: NRDC v. Federal Communications Commission)
According to a statement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States (US), seen by Washingtonpost, the following mobile carriers will shut down their networks on phones at respective dates:
1. AT&T – February 2022.
2. Verizon – December 31, 2022.
3. T-Mobile will shut down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022
4. Sprint’s 4G LTE – June 30, 2022
5. T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network – July 1, 2022
Other mobile carriers like Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers which utilize AT&T’s, Verizon’s, and T-Mobile’s networks may also be affected.
What affected persons are advised to do
Due to this, the FCC has advised phone users to contact their mobile provider for more information about their 3G retirement plan.
It added:
“Some carrier websites provide lists of devices that will no longer be supported after 3G networks are shut down. You may need to upgrade to a newer device to ensure that you can stay connected, and carriers may be offering discounted or free upgrades to help consumers who need to upgrade their phones.
“Some devices may only require a software update to enable VoLTE (HD Voice) or other advanced services.
“If you purchased your phone independent of a mobile provider, you should be able to check whether your device is 4G LTE (with VoLTE or HD Voice) enabled by checking your phone’s settings or user manual, or by searching your phone’s model number on the internet, to determine whether you need to purchase a new device or install a software update.”
Togo becomes first African country to get Google’s 5G network cable
Meanwhile, Google’s much-touted Equaino submarine cable had made a stop at Togo, the first on the African continent.
The submarine cable was to run from Portugal, along the West African coast connecting Europe to Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa and Saint, Helena.
Better than 4G
The fifth generation (5G) mobile service touched down in Togo on Friday, March 18, 2022, as part of a collaboration with the Togolese government, Google and CSSquared which is open- access broadband.
Olalekan Ajimoti – Blogger, Content Writer, and Digital Marketer helping brands and retailers build 8-figure e-commerce since 2016.
As a corporate trainer, brand communications expert, and brand consultant, I help people start, stay and grow in business leveraging digital skills and traditional expertise.
