With network technology moving at such a fast pace, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up. While 5G network capabilities are available in the latest phones, many phones are still only 3G compatible. But what will happen to these phones when 3G gets shut down?
Most phones made before 2013 are 3G compatible and may not work with a SIM card after the 3G shutdown. While you don’t need to replace your phone if it has 3G and 4G compatibility, phones that only run 3G won’t operate with a cellular network after the shutdown.
But which phones are going to be affected? And do you need to change your phone because of the 3G shutdown? Let’s find out.
What is 3G?
Most of the cellphones in the US and worldwide now operate on the 4G/LTE and 5G networks. However, nearly all the cellphones and other electronic devices made before 2013 were designed for a 3G network, and there are currently over 10 million phones in the US operating on a 3G network.
However, this is about to end as all the major telecommunications carriers are turning off their 3G networks. This will bring an end to a 20-year span of 3G that provided wireless communication to people across the globe.
Why is it Shutting Down?
So if 3G was so important, why is it being stopped? The answer lies in the cellular spectrum.
The 3G cellular spectrum isn’t as effective as the one used in 4G/LTE and 5G networks. This is because the more users on the 3G cellular spectrum (CDMA), the more interference there would be. On the other hand, the 4G/LTE and 5G spectrum (OFDMA) does not have the same issue and is more effective.
For a long time, telecommunication carriers were running both of these cellular networks even though they used utterly different tower equipment and other costs. Therefore they eventually had to make a choice and decided to end the 3G network for good
3G Phones List
If you aren’t sure if your phone uses 3G and may be affected by it being phased out, here’s a list of phones that will be affected:
- Any iPhone before the iPhone 6, including the iPhone 5, 5C, and 5S
- Apple iPad 2
- Samsung Galaxy S4s and older
- Kindle with 3G
- GizmoPal, GizmoPal2, GizmoGadget
- 3G Home Phone Connect
- Apple iPad 2
Even though the older phones will be affected, newer models may also need an update. In addition, Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all shut down the operation of their 3G networks by the end of the year.
How Do You Know if You Have a 3G Phone?
If you are worried that your phone may be affected by the 3G network shutdown but don’t know whether it operates on 3G or 4G, here’s how to find out.
Android Smartphone
First, nearly all feature phones will be affected as they operate on the 3G network spectrum. It’s a straightforward process to check whether your phone operates on 4G or not, and here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Find and select Network Settings.
- Here you will be provided the information on whether your phone works with 4G/ LTE or with 3G.
iPhone
Here’s the way to see which network an iPhone is operating on:
- iPhones before the 5C and 5S do not support 4G
- There should be a 4G sign on the top left-hand corner of the screen, indicating that the network connection is 4G.
IMEI Number
An alternative method is to check with your IMEI number. Here’s how to do so:
- Dial *#06# to see your IMEI number.
- Go to the website www.imei.info and put in your IMEI number.
- You will then see a report about your phone, and in the LTE section, you will be able to see which network frequency is used by your phone, 4G or 3G.
How Will Your Phone be Affected by the 3G Shutdown?
If your Phone operates on the 3G network, you won’t be able to make or receive calls when the shutdown happens. However, phones and devices that can connect to the internet through WiFi will still be able to do so.
Most mobile carriers have contacted customers still using devices under 3G to inform them about the shutdown of 3G networks and how it would affect them.
Some telecommunication carriers are even offering free 4G smartphones worth up to $300 as replacements, while others are providing discounts to replace a mobile device.
You may also contact your service provider to see how this major shutdown might affect you and how they will assist.