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3G networks are shutting down in 2022

Will Verduzco

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Legacy 3G networks are shutting down in 2022 to make way for faster and better 4G and 5G coverage. AT&T already turned off its 3G GSM network last month. T-Mobile will start shutting down parts of its legacy network at the end of March, and Verizon is slated to sunset its 3G CDMA network at the end of the year.

Legacy Network Sunset Dates:

AT&T 3G GSM/UMTS: February 22, 2022
Sprint 3G CDMA: March 31, 2022
Sprint 4G LTE: June 30, 2022
T-Mobile 3G GSM/UMTS: July 1, 2022
Verizon 3G CDMA: December 31, 2022

Fortunately, most people won't be affected by the upcoming 3G shutdown. Simply put, if you have a relatively modern phone that connects via 4G LTE or 5G, you won't be affected by the upcoming network changes. However, if you're on an iPhone 5S, Galaxy S4, or earlier, you're going to want to upgrade to stay connected. Additionally, certain connected devices such as OnStar systems in certain older cars will be affected by the network shutdown.

Learn more about the upcoming changes and find out if your phone or connected device is affected on the Swappa blog: 3G networks are shutting down in 2022: Here’s what you need to know

What are your thoughts on these changes? Are you okay with 3G networks being shut down in order to reallocate the wireless spectrum for use in newer networks?

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Mar 24, 2022 at 7:39 p.m.

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Robin D.

Something important is missing from this, and that is that anyone trying to continue on with a carrier that was formerly on the Sprint network and transitioning to the T-Mobile network will not be able to use some of the phones listed currently on Swappa due to T-Mobile VoLTE compatibility issues.

I think it would be prudent for Swappa to recheck all IMEIs for Sprint listings, or even remove the Sprint category all together after merging compatible phones into the T-Mobile area.

To be clear, I see many listings for my current phone which I have been told specifically will not function in any way what-so-ever other than a wifi device after the June date in the OP.