Are 3G Networks Being Shut Down? What You Need To Know

Is the 3G network shutting down? Yes, indeed. In 2022, all major US cellular networks took significant steps to phase out their legacy 3G support. To provide a clearer timeline, AT&T initiated the shutdown of its 3G GSM network in late February, followed by T-Mobile, which commenced the process at the end of March. Verizon completed this transition by officially discontinuing its legacy network on December 31, 2022. As of June 5, 2023, all three major carriers have successfully concluded their 3G network shutdowns. This shift marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry’s transition towards more advanced and efficient network technologies.

Is 3G Technology Phasing Out Globally?

The gradual phase-out of 3G technology is a global phenomenon. Initially, this transition began in countries like the Czech Republic in November 2021, followed by Germany and Singapore in December 2021, and Malaysia in March 2022. In 2023, several more nations, including Denmark, Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, and Sweden, will bid farewell to 3G, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications technology. As of February 15, 2023, these countries are taking steps to retire 3G networks, aligning with the broader trend of shifting towards more advanced mobile communication technologies.

Is 2G still available? As of August 3, 2022, all major mobile providers have officially communicated to the Government that they will discontinue their 2G (and 3G) services by 2033. This means that, beyond this point, 2G connectivity will no longer be accessible through these carriers. The process of phasing out these networks is expected to follow a sequence, with providers first discontinuing 3G networks before moving on to 2G. The anticipated timeline for the shutdown of 2G networks is expected to fall sometime after the 3G networks are retired.