US Ending Support for 3G Network

The US is set to abandon the 3G network, as mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks across the country.

Telecom firms aim to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G.

"As mobile carriers seek to upgrade their networks to use the latest technologies, they periodically shut down older services, such as 3G, to free up spectrum and infrastructure to support new services, such as 5G," said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its website.

AT&T revealed that it phased out its 3G network beginning in February 2022, while Verizon announced that it will finish shutting down its 3G network by 31 December last year.

Verizon has made it clear that "the date will not be extended again."

Meanwhile, many older cell phones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911 or use data services.

"International visitors to the US with 3G phones will be affected and are urged to plan accordingly," says the FCC on its website.