Do you have an older phone or tablet? Beware that 3G service is going away!
By The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem
You may have heard on TV commercials by cell phone companies or other places that “the 3G network” is going away. As of now, AT&T will stop providing 3G service at the end of February.
By the end of 2022, many of the U.S.’s largest wireless carriers will shut down their 3G networks. This is known as the “3G sunset” or retirement. When operators like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile shut off this cellular infrastructure, 3G devices based on this network technology will no longer have a connection.
What does this mean for consumers?
AARP partner Senior Planet suggests that any wireless items purchased before 2019 could potentially be affected. And it doesn’t stop with cell phones and tablets! Things like garage door openers, home alarm systems, personal alarm systems (think Lifeline button), older car’s GPS, or locators that provide help in an emergency. Senior Planet recommends we all take inventory of where we use technology in our lives and then contact the service provider (company we pay for service) or the manufacturer to determine if we need to do anything in light of the loss of 3G connectivity.
Want to learn more? You can watch a recorded webinar by Senior Planet at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LylnWcPnqyI.
Or visit this informational website: https://seniorplanet.org/3g/.
Senior Planet offers lots of great programs for adults age 50 and better. Check out the offerings at seniorplanet.org.
The Shepherd’s Center offers classes, workshops, activities and educational opportunities for older adults in Forsyth County. Find out more at www.shepherdscenter.org.
