UScellular shuts off some 3G services as it upgrades LTE

UScellular is working on a multi-year effort to eventually sunset its CDMA 3G network, as the regional carrier upgrades parts of its network with additional LTE bandwidth and capabilities. The company stated that as part of the work, some 3G data services have been shut off, including in Missouri. Since 98 percent of UScellular’s traffic in Missouri is LTE, the company doesn’t expect many customers to be affected. UScellular did not disclose how many, or which other markets have already seen high-speed 3G data turned off. It also did not share a set timeline for 3G sunset, other than that the process will “span multiple years.” Chicago-based UScellular has around 5 million customers and has undertaken 4G LTE upgrades while also deploying 5G. It’s been using 600 MHz spectrum for 5G and plans to augment with mid-band (like recently acquired C-band in key markets and CBRS) and millimeter-wave. The sunset of 3G networks has been a topic of interest as carriers shift and reallocate resources, including existing spectrum, to newer technologies.