5G Networks: Telco’s phaseout of 3G technology to impact services, millions of consumers

*American AT&T’s planned shutdown of 3G services will create immediate problems for about 10 million consumers with older phones, smartwatches, Kindle readers, roadside assistance systems, and home alarm systems, among other services

*A full list of affected mobile phones after Telco’s phaseout of 3G services

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the introduction, deployment and use of 5G technology are fast becoming the industry standard in several countries around the globe, American-owned AT&T Tuesday, February 22, 2022, began saying goodbye to 3G networks.

ConsumerConnect gathered that the telecoms firm (Telco) though regards the plan as an expensive proposition, as it projects to cost the company around $130 million to sunset the 3G services.

Mobile phone consumers

However, with 5G technology now becoming the industry standard in several countries, the telecom company likely feels 3G is an albatross it no longer needs, agency report said.

It was further learnt that AT&T’s shutdown of 3G services would create immediate problems for estimated 10 million people who have older phones, smartwatches, Kindle readers, roadside assistance systems, and home alarm systems.

Though AT&T is said to be the lone wolf in saying goodbye to 3G at the moment, it will  not last for long, according to report.

Likewise, T-Mobile is shuttering its 3G systems March 31, 2022, and Verizon is retiring its 3G service December 31 this year.

With its purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile will reportedly phase out that provider’s LTE network July 1, 2022.

Implications on services and telecoms consumers

A closer look at who and what may be impacted short term by AT&T’s move in phasing  out 3G technology services, the following are some of the implications on telecommunications telecoms and consumers, according to report:

Impacted mobile phones (Full List)

AT&T has released a laundry list of all the phones that WILL continue to work on its network after 3G goes away.

That list is available HERE.

It’s a safe bet that if a phone is not listed and the consumer has an AT&T account, then it will either need to be replaced, or the user will have to find another service provider that will support the device.

An important side note to people who have aging parents – many of the millions of consumers who have 3G in their lives are older users.

Adult children may be called on to help their parents find a new provider or update their phones, report stated.

Other impacted devices

Other than phones, people who have 3G Kindles, fall protectors (medical alert systems), and some automotive systems, such as in-car crash notification systems and roadside assistance systems like OnStar, will also have to update their devices or find replacements.

Similarly, General Motors (GM), the company behind OnStar, started pushing out updates to Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac owners months ago, CNN report noted.

The report said: “As a general rule, most cars built in the last five years with connectivity are using 4G modems.

“If the car does run on 3G, the manufacturer may offer an upgrade program or the wireless carrier can provide an adapter with a modem that can be plugged into a vehicle.”

Alarm/security systems

In advice to its customers, Vector Security said that alarm system providers should have already reached out to their subscribers to ensure that there is no lapse in service for your system.

The company has published a list of questions that consumers can ask their providers if they want to start the process of updating their system. Those questions include:

Will the 3G sunset impact my security system? When are cellular carrier changes expected to roll out in my area? What is your company’s timeline and plans for customer updates? Can I update my system in advance, or do I need to wait for a tiered rollout?

Others are, Will I be charged a service fee to upgrade my system? If so, how much? Do I need to purchase new equipment, or will it be provided free of charge? And How can I schedule a service call to update my system, if needed?

Is AT&T offering special deals to help impacted consumers?

Report indicates that the telecoms American carrier has not said whether it is giving any special discounts or compensation to customers affected by 3G’s sunsetting, but it did for at least a reviewer on ConsumerAffairs.

Jason, from Angelgrove, Delaware, said he was not being given a direct answer about whether his phone/plan was impacted by the 3G change.

Finally, the consumer noted that he ended up speaking to a supervisor who gave him a one-time $10 credit “out of their infinite generosity and remorse.”

Nevertheless, the bottom line is for any impacted consumers to ask if AT&T can provide them with assistance in this regard, report stated.

Kindly Share This Story