When is the 3G/CDMA sunset?
In 2016, Verizon made a huge announcement about initiating a sunset of all 2G and 3G/CDMA networks by December 2019. While it stated last year that it’s extending that deadline to the end of 2020, Verizon has stopped activating 3G phones since June 2018.
Other major cellular carriers have yet to make an official deadline. However, it’s likely we’ll see a complete shutdown for 3G/CDMA networks by 2021.
Why shut down 3G/CDMA networks?
Verizon is looking to re-farm the spectrum devoted to 3G and CDMA networks over to new 4G/LTE and 5G networks. On the benefits of its new 5G mobile network, Verizon states that it “runs on a much higher frequency known as millimeter wave, and with the Verizon spectrum assets, at a much larger bandwidth. That large bandwidth provides faster speeds and more capacity”.
Network carriers are switching over to more advanced networks not just to provide a faster internet, but to account for a growing number of devices using these networks. On shutting down its 3G network, AT&T has stated, “Mobile Internet usage has exploded over the last decade. From 2007-2017, data traffic on AT&T’s wireless network has increased more than 360,000 percent. Reallocating capacity to our more advanced wireless networks will help more of our customers have a better experience”.
How will this affect me?
In no uncertain terms, 3G/CDMA will soon become obsolete. Happily, for anyone still using devices that rely on these networks, the solution is simple. All one must do is upgrade their device.
All Systems Integrated is working with our customers to ensure their systems will work as intended in the coming years. We have begun the process of contacting all our current customers who use an alarm system that relies on a 3G or CDMA cellular communicator.
If you have any questions about the sunset for 3G/CDMA networks, your system, or are looking to upgrade, contact us or call our office today at (253) 770-5570 for more information.