Lackawanna County issued the following announcement on Jan. 21.
The country’s three major wireless carriers – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – will be shutting down their third-generation (3G) cellular networks in 2022 to make room for better fourth-generation (4G) and new fifth-generation (5G) services. As a result, many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services. This may also affect devices that rely on 3G connectivity, such as medical alert devices, tablets, smartwatches, in-car SOS services, Kindle readers, home security products and other devices that are dependent on 3G.
While the move to new 5G cellular networks promises faster cellphone and internet speeds, this technology transition could leave lower income and older Pennsylvanians disconnected as they may lose cellphone service entirely, including the ability to call 911. Recently, the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) urged residents with older cell phones to prepare for the phase out of 3G cellular networks and service.
Phasing out older networks isn’t a new concept for wireless carriers as similar transitions have happened before – such as when second-generation (2G) networks were shut down in favor of building out the 4G network. Because of that experience, many service providers have developed programs and resources to help customers through the process.
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