01/27/2022
OLD PHONES MIGHT NOT WORK! 📱
A reminder, the National Association of State 911 Administrators issued a warning to consumers that older phones may stop operating in early 2022 due to the retirement of 3G networks and support for phones using 3G service.
According to the FCC’s website, AT&T will discontinue service in February, T-Mobile/Sprint will discontinue service between March and July and Verizon will discontinue service at the end of 2022.
AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have each announced that they plan on discontinuing 3G service in favor of 4G and 5G service.
This may include other devices that use 3G connectivity, such as some medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems and other devices.
Most users of these services will be notified directly by the carriers if this affects them.
However, users of older phones used for 9-1-1 only purposes may NOT be notified if they don't have active service with the provider.
Low income individuals who are concerned that their 9-1-1 only phones may no longer be supported should consider applying for service through the federal Lifeline Program.
Information regarding eligibility and participating providers can be found at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.