Major U.S. network operators will close 3G networks in the next few years

At present, 5G networks have been commercially available in some countries and regions, and the withdrawal of 3G networks has begun. Some operators have already closed 3G networks.

Of course, the complete withdrawal of the 3G network cannot be completed immediately. After all, there are still many underdeveloped areas relying on 2G and 3G networks to support daily use.

Now mainstream US operators are also planning to shut down 3G networks. Some operators plan to shut down 3G networks by the end of this year, and some will withdraw from the network in the next few years.

Verizon is the fastest among mainstream US operators. Verizon plans to complete user migration and close 3G mobile networks before the end of 2020.

Verizon said that currently only a very small number of users still use 3G networks. Verizon welcomes these users to upgrade to 4G and 5G and the company will provide the necessary assistance.

AT&T, the largest network provider in the United States, plans to shut down 3G networks in early 2022, and there are only a handful of AT&T 3G network users.

T-Mobile’s speed is a bit slower, the company said it will gradually plan in the next few years when that time will release a new timetable to inform all consumers in advance.

It is not easy for operators to shut down 3G networks and help users migrate. After all, user equipment needs to be replaced with new equipment that supports 4G or 5G networks.

If users do not change, 4G and 5G cannot be used, but operators will obviously not help users change for free, and some consumers are unwilling to change.

However, if the user does not upgrade the network, the operator will continue to maintain the 3G network will add a lot of additional costs.

Therefore, how operators can shut down 3G networks and help users migrate without breaking the contract is a problem, which is also a problem faced by all operators.

Via: lightreading