A Personal Experience with Transitioning Networks

I have firsthand experience with such transitions. In the early 2010s, I played a pivotal role in upgrading my previous employer's network from over 6,000 2G IoT devices to 3G. The phase-out of 2G necessitated a comprehensive strategy to ensure device connectivity was maintained throughout the upgrade process.

Transitioning from 2G to 3G involved significant planning, including:

• Compatibility with new modems
• Sourcing new modem supplies
• Swapping out devices without any downtime (critical for our water utility operations)
• Optimizing data plans

Delaying the upgrade until the last moment was not an option. It was a multi-year endeavor, and we were among the smaller operations undertaking this massive project.

Fast forward to 2018, when Verizon announced plans to discontinue its 3G network. As the Director of Product Management at my previous company, it fell upon my team to manage the transition from 3G to 4G. We were actively working on this plan until I left the company in the summer of 2021, with over 12,000 IoT devices still being upgraded.

The Rapid Shutdown of 3G Services

The impending 3G shutdown will be swift and relentless! As we witnessed during the 2G phase-out, U.S. carriers are moving aggressively to shut down their 3G networks, while some international providers may continue to offer 3G for a longer period.

Planning for the 3G Phase-Out

If your mobile device is several years old, it may require an upgrade before your provider makes changes...

Verizon initially planned to shut down its 3G network at the end of 2020 but postponed it to the end of 2022. AT&T took the lead with a scheduled shutdown in February 2022, followed by T-Mobile/Sprint in March and July 2022, with Verizon closing its 3G network at the end of the year.

The Shutdown's Impact on Devices

The implications of this shutdown are vast, particularly for lesser-known consumer devices. Many embedded IoT systems—those that users may not even realize rely on 3G—will be significantly affected. Some examples include:

• Vending machines
• Remote banking terminals
• Point of Sale systems
• Traffic management devices
• Utility management systems (water, gas, electric)
• Fleet management tools, crucial for supply chain logistics
• First responder devices that ensure health and safety
• Home and business security systems

Older consumer phones are also at risk. Many users do not upgrade their devices regularly, especially in the senior citizen demographic, where "dumb" phones are still prevalent. This demographic may lack the understanding needed to transition to new smartphones compatible with 4G and 5G networks.

Rural areas face additional challenges, as 3G network shutdowns may disproportionately affect communities with limited access to 4G and 5G services.

A recent study by OpenSignal indicated that as of 2018, nearly 20% of Americans were still using 3G networks, highlighting the potential disruption this shutdown could cause for many, especially in emergency situations.

The Supply Chain Crisis Complicates Matters

The ongoing supply chain crisis complicates the transition from 3G to newer networks. The shortage of modem chips has significantly impacted the availability of new devices, delaying shipments. This shortage is exacerbated by the demand for new smartphones and automobiles, leaving smaller manufacturers struggling to acquire the necessary components.

Given these challenges, it would seem prudent for carriers to postpone their shutdown plans until supply chain issues are resolved. However, this does not appear to be a current consideration.

What Can You Do?

The first step is to check your IoT devices (cell phones, connected security systems, etc.) for compatibility with the network. If your cellular device is relatively recent (purchased within the last four years), you should be fine as they typically operate on 4G and 5G networks.

For older devices, especially embedded IoT systems, it might be challenging to determine the network compatibility without consulting the device documentation. Look for mentions of 3G or any of its corresponding technologies (GSM, GPRS, UTMS, CDMS2000) as the highest supported connection. If so, an upgrade will likely be necessary.

Some carriers are incentivizing upgrades, so check with your provider or the device manufacturer for options.

In conclusion, the widespread discontinuation of 3G cellular service is poised to cause significant disruptions in connectivity. While some issues may be minor inconveniences for consumers, others—particularly those related to utilities, health, and safety—could have serious consequences if not addressed.

Regulatory and consumer advocates have urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to intervene and delay the shutdown, but no changes have been made to the existing timelines.

If this matter concerns you, consider reaching out to your government representatives or the FCC.

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