Since 2016, we have stated publicly that we have been actively decommissioning our 3G CDMA network. As of December 31, 2022, months after our competitors shut off their networks completely, we decommissioned the network.Initially, we announced we would close down our 3G network in 2019. However, we extended our shut off date to the end of 2022 in order to care for our customers and give them every effort to minimize disruptions to their service as they moved to newer and more advanced technologies. That outreach included proactively communicating through billing messages, digital and traditional outreach and even sending some customers updated devices proactively.If any customer needs support to start service on our 4G or 5G networks, they should call our customer service line at 800-922-0204. 5G is set to revolutionize our world. It is the platform for 21st century innovation, offering almost limitless capabilities and opportunities for our customers.And with the evolution into this next phase of wireless networking and communication, comes changes to legacy technology. Since 2016, we have stated publicly that we are actively decommissioning our 3G CDMA network. Initially, we announced we would close down our 3G network in 2019. However, we extended our shut off date - first to the end of 2020 and now to the end of 2022 - in order to care for our customers and give them every effort to minimize disruptions to their service as they move to newer and more advanced technologies. We worked for the past several years to help those who still have 3G devices transfer to devices capable of accessing the 4G LTE or 5G networks and continue to actively work with remaining 3G customers to migrate them to new devices and technology. As a result of those efforts, we can now report that more than 99% of our customers are using the enhanced features of 4G LTE or 5G, with less than 1% still accessing the 3G network. We’ve already communicated to customers that we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable to be activated on our network, so the focus now is the smooth migration of the remaining 3G devices in the market onto 4G LTE or 5G capable products and services. Additionally, we’ve already developed migration plans with most of our business customers to ensure any 3G devices they have in vehicles and equipment have been migrated to 4G LTE or 5G technology as soon as possible. Customers who still have a 3G device will continue to be strongly encouraged to make a change now. As we move closer to the shut off date customers still accessing the 3G network may experience a degradation or complete loss of service, and our service centers will only be able to offer extremely limited troubleshooting help on these older devices. We will turn off the last of the 3G CDMA network on December 31, 2022, months after our competitors have shut off their networks completely. The date will not be extended again.We’re communicating this again now in order to provide customers plenty of time to complete their migration. For details about the decommissioning efforts, devices that can no longer be activated on the 3G CDMA network, and what customers can do to move to newer technology, customers are encouraged to visithttps://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-218813/or reach out to a local Verizon representative today.Update to Verizon’s 3G CDMA Shut Off
FAQs
What date will 3G phones stop working? ›
In 2021, the government made an agreement with mobile network operators (MNOs) that second-generation and third-generation technologies would be phased out by 2033.
Is Verizon shutting down CDMA? ›Verizon's 3G network is now shut down
After December 31st, 2022, if you are a Verizon subscriber still rocking a device that is 3G (CDMA) or 4G that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services.
The 3G shutdown means these 4G phones will no longer be able to make calls. Some older 4G phones will lose functionality after Telstra and Optus shut down their 3G networks. Australia's impending 3G network shutdown naturally means 3G phones will stop working, but it's also bad news for some 4G phones.
Is 3G shutting down in the US? ›If you're a customer, expect the following retirement deadlines: AT&T decommissioned its 3G on February 22, 2022. T-Mobile shut down Sprint's 3G on June 30, 2022, and its own on July 1, 2022. Verizon deactivated its 3G on December 31, 2022.
How long will 3G be active? ›All of the major US 3G networks are scheduled to shut down in 2022. Whether you're with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, this may affect your phone, your home alarm system, or even your car. Let's break down exactly what is happening and what you can expect.
Are 3G phones still going to work? ›The 3G farewell is coming. As the 4G and 5G rollout across Aotearoa increases momentum, it's now time to look ahead and prepare to farewell the 3G network. By the end of March 2025, when you'll be able to access 4G everywhere you currently have 3G (or 5G, where it's available), we will switch off the 3G network.
Are CDMA phones still usable? ›Fortunately, CDMA phones work on GSM networks, and that is why you're able to use your Verizon phone when traveling to places where GSM is the standard, such as Europe, Asia, and South America. Keep in mind that 3G networks for both GSM and CDMA will be totally defunct by 2022. AT&T's 3G network ended in February 2022.
Is CDMA still active? ›Since 2016, we have stated publicly that we have been actively decommissioning our 3G CDMA network. As of December 31, 2022, months after our competitors shut off their networks completely, we decommissioned the network.
Is CDMA technology going away? ›But in 2022, it's absolutely time to get off of CDMA and GSM. Those networks are going away! If you have a phone that only uses 2G or 3G, you need to get a 4G or 5G phone, pronto. AT&T has already shut down its 2G GSM network and most recently said it will shut down 3G GSM/UMTS in February 2022.
Can I still text after 3G shutdown? ›Once 3G services in their area are withdrawn, these customers will not be able to access mobile data services unless they upgrade their device. Most customers with 3G handsets will continue to be able to make voice calls and send texts, as these services typically use the 2G network.
What happens when 3G is switched off? ›
In some cases, you might not be able to make calls or access data unless you are connected to WiFi (especially if you have an older phone). In rare cases, this might also impact your ability to call emergency services when abroad.
Will my cell phone work after 3G shutdown? ›How Do I Know If My Phone Will Work After 3G Shutdown? You can determine this by checking your phone specifications online to see whether or not it supports newer cellular networks. Phones with 4G LTE or 5G network capabilities will continue functioning even after the 3G shutdown.
How do I know if my phone will work after a 3G shutdown? ›If your device supports 4G, in most cases it will continue to work. However, if it can make or receive voice calls, you'll also need to check with the supplier you purchased it from whether it supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Some older devices do not support voice over the 4G network.
How long will US cellular support 3G? ›If you do not replace your device with a 4G/5G model, your 3G CDMA device will stop working once your 3G line(s) of service is/are suspended. Your 3G CDMA line(s) of service will be canceled on January 30, 2024.
Can you upgrade a 3G phone to 4G? ›A phone which can only support 3G cannot be converted to 4G. However, if the phone has WiFi, you can use a 4G “hotspot” device to allow the phone to connect indirectly to a 4G network. This would only supply an internet connection.
What phones won't work after a 3G shutdown? ›2G, 3G, and 4G are vastly different in terms of technology. This means that technology (like phones and SIM cards) that work on 2G and 3G may not work on 4G.