The 3G Shutdown Is Coming—Here’s How That Affects You

All three major US cellular carriers will shut down their older 3G networks this year to free up more wireless spectrum for 5G. AT&T will be first, on February 22. By July, T-Mobile’s could be gone. Finally, Verizon, before the clock strikes 2023. The carriers’ 4G networks will remain. How will this impact you? It likely won’t; Only 1 percent of AT&T consumers have devices that depend on 3G according to the company. Think about it this way: Apple hasn’t released a 3G-driven phone since the iPhone 4S, a decade ago. If you’re part of that small group, however, your old phone will be cut off. Even if you aren’t directly impacted by the 3G shutdown, allow me to remind you that 3G already impacted your life. As 3G heads to the grave, let’s all take a moment to remember all it gave us.