3G network shutdown planned for end of 2019
As the carrier gears up to launch 5G commercial services later this year, Verizon is also working toward a long-planned shutdown of its 3G network, which is slated to happen by the end of 2019. Now, according to a report in DroidLife, the carriers is no longer activating 3G devices.
“For several years we’ve been publicly saying that our 3G CDMA network will remain available through the end of 2019,” the carrier said in a statement. “Virtually all traffic on our network is now on our 4G LTE network. To facilitate a smooth transition to 4G LTE capable products and services, we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable to be activated on our network.”
Verizon sells a few different LTE feature phones for users that don’t want smartphone functionality. Device options include the LG Exalt and the Kyocera DuraXV.
Turning down legacy networks is nothing new. Last year AT&T stopped offering GSM-based 2G network services, which the company said would allow it refarm spectrum in the 850 MHz and 1.9 GHz bands towards its 3G network.
Getting rid of networks to support legacy devices can be a little tricky, particularly as it relates to internet of things devices. Tech consultant John Hickey, in a LinkedIn article, called out devices like credit card readers, remote monitoring tools, cellular routers and modems, internet failover devices and fleet monitoring solutions.
“Many companies have recently felt the pain of having to swap out legacy 2G devices for newer 3G or 4G devices,” he wrote. “This proved costly and painful as most companies failed to plan accordingly to get ahead of the shut down.”
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