AT&T was the first major carrier to shut down its 3G network.
What you need to know
- AT&T’s 3G network began shutting down on February 22.
- The company first released a list of phones that will continue to work after the shutdown.
- Anyone still using a 3G phone will need to upgrade to continue using AT&T’s network reliably.
It’s been a long time, but with AT&T shutting down its 3G network on Tuesday, February 22, the demise of 3G has officially begun.
AT&T is the first among U.S. wireless carriers to bid on an aging network as it repurposes spectrum for its 5G buildout. T-Mobile followed suit after the company delayed the shutdown until March 31 at the request of Dish Wireless. Verizon’s 3G network will shut down on December 31st.
AT&T has published a list of smartphones that can still be used when turned off, in case you’re curious, but if you’re currently reading this, your phone is one of them.
However, if you’re still relying on an older 3G phone, AT&T may have contacted you about next steps and phone upgrades. The company also released an article explaining some of the details of the shutdown and what it means for consumers affected by it. Some users even received free Galaxy Note smartphones to replace their older 3G-dependent phones.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend too much to upgrade, as just about any of the best Android phones under $200 will work, and you’ll likely find some for under $100. Alternatively, you can spend more money on a 5G-enabled smartphone.
The hope is that the shutdown will mark the start of AT&T’s start to drastically improve its 5G network, which has lagged behind T-Mobile and was criticized by the former Google CEO for poor speeds.
Affordable 5G
Samsung Galaxy A12 5G
AT&T $250 Amazon $250 Best Buy $250
Entry-level 5G
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to tap into a super-fast 5G network, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G. It has a large 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 50MP triple-camera setup, and a massive 5,000mAh battery.
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