State Police and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are urging those with older cell phones to get ready as 3G cell networks and service will phase out later this year.
The nation’s three major wireless carriers, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have announced plans to shut down their 3G networks in order to accommodate 5G networks and more advanced services. That shutdown could happen as soon as next month. As a result, many older cell phones may be unable to make or receive calls and text messages, or utilize data-based services. Not only would phones be affected, but some devices like tablets, medical alert devices, smart watches, home security systems and others that utilize 3G networks.
Most users will be notified directly, but those with older phones who only use them for 911 connectivity may not receive notification if they don’t have active service with a mobile carrier. That includes organizations like homeless shelters or groups that help domestic violence survivors which use older cell phones without a service plan to place emergency phone calls.
State police say that those with older cell phones should check with their service provider to see if the phone will survive the shutdown of 3G service. If the cell phone came from a non-profit group, those concerned should check with the group.
