Verizon’s 3G network is now shut down
- Verizon 3G network sunset: January 1, 2023
After December 31st, 2022, if you are a Verizon subscriber still rocking a device that is 3G (CDMA) or 4G that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services. Until Saturday, your device may have still been able to use these services, but no more, says Verizon:
As previously communicated, Verizon is actively decommissioning our 3G CDMA network. We expect this to be completed by no later than December 31, 2022. This decommissioning effort affects 3G (CDMA) devices, 4G Non-VoLTE devices, and network extenders.
As we are now very close to completion of our decommissioning efforts, we want to be sure our impacted customers are aware of what this means to their Verizon service, and what steps they can take to upgrade their device(s) to stay connected, on our 4G LTE and/or 5G network.
Will my 3G phone stop working when Verizon shuts down their 3G networks?
Unfortunately, yes, for the most part that needs CDMA connectivity, like making or receiving calls. “When we shut down the 3G network, there won’t be data or voice service for devices that don’t have at least have 4G capabilities. This means that while some device features might still work, you won’t be able to access our network unless you upgrade to a newer device,” say the carriers for all 3G phones when their respective networks are sunset.
T-Mobile 2G network shutdown
T-Mobile keeps mum on the retirement of its own legacy 2G GSM network, for which only a statement that “no date has been set” is currently available on T-Mobile’s support pages. The 2G (GSM, GPRS, EDGE) network of the Un-carrier is still languishing on the 1900 MHz spectrum for now, with the usual warning that “voice and data services don’t work at the same time when on 2G,” and that one can’t connect to the Internet during a call.
