The United States (US) officially turns off the 3G network. The country currently only has 4G and 5G networks that its citizens can enjoy.
This is in line with cellular operator Verizon shutting down 3G cellular services on December 31, 2022. This completes the list of operators that have shut down 3G, which was previously carried out by AT&T and T-Mobile.
The US Federal Communications Commission or FCC revealed that the 3G network will be turned off in stages, which can later focus on the development of the latest cellular technology.
"Mobile carriers have the flexibility to choose the types of technologies and services they deploy, including when they decommission older services in favor of newer services to meet consumer demands," the FCC said as quoted by Fox, Thursday (5/1/2022).
Before it was turned off, these telecommunications operators had socialized that there would be lethal injection of 3G services. And, cellular subscribers are expected to immediately switch or migrate to a more modern network.
In the future, cellular operators in Uncle Sam's country can be more active in 5G technology. For example, T-Mobile is leveraging spectrum previously used for 3G services.
According to AARP, it is estimated that around 10 million people in the US are affected by the 3G policy being turned off because they are still using 3G cellphones.
The truth is that 3G signals aren't really gone in the US, it's just that cellular network use isn't meant for the general public. This old technology is still used for a number of devices.
“Other devices, such as certain medical devices, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle SOS services, home security systems, and other connected products may use 3G network services. said the FCC.