Are you prepared for AT&T to shut down its whole 3G network next week? Listen to this one-minute episode now to find out how this affects you.
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The 3G shutdown means your car might lose these features this week
You may be attached to your old phone, but you miss out on many convenience and security features. Newer phones are faster and more capable and have the full support of their developers.
At some point, your old phone won’t receive updates. That will leave you vulnerable to hacks, malware and more. On top of that, you may not even be able to connect to the internet. Tap or click here for more information regarding the need to upgrade your old devices.
Cellular networks are evolving, and the older standards are being left behind. That’s why 3G networks are being shut down. AT&T is shutting its 3G network down this week. While this will impact older phones, many cars will also experience issues. Read on to find out how to handle it.
Here’s the backstory
The three biggest mobile providers, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, have announced they’re phasing out 3G networks in 2022.
- AT&T said it will shut down 3G networks in February.
- Verizon said it will pull the plug on 3G on December 31.
- T-Mobile said it will shut down Sprint 3G networks on March 31. T-Mobile’s own 3G networks will be gone by July 1.
Mobile carriers shut down older services to free up space for newer ones. For example, some carriers made room for 4G networks by dropping 2G service. Removing 3G networks will improve the performance of 4G networks and the emerging 5G.
The FCC lists some connected products that will be impacted by the changes: medical devices, tablets, smartwatches and home security systems, among others.
Automotive obsolescence
Modern cars have many features that need a network connection to function. Here are some examples:
- Remote lock/unlock services
- Voice assistants
- Emergency call services
- GPS live traffic and hazard updates
- Smartphone connectivity
- Concierge services
Two things can happen: cars will be updated to use more modern standards such as 5G, or the features won’t work anymore. For those that can be updated, you may be facing a subscription fee or an update charge from a dealer who performs the service.
Use an Android? Make this quick change now to secure your phone
While some corners of the country are vehemently debating the dangers of 5G mobile technology, a much older mobile signal poses an actual threat to Android and iOS phones.
As technology moves ahead with better delivery, coverage and download speeds, the spectrum will inevitably become too crowded or outdated to accommodate them all. Before 5G, 4G, and LTE, the most common mobile connections were 3G and its predecessor, 2G.
Is your car bricked? Since AT&T killed off 3G over two years ago, owners of 2014 to 2019 Volkswagens with VW Car-Net services have been in analog, so to speak. Without wireless connectivity, they no longer have features like remote start, emergency assistance or antitheft alerts. Volkswagen still doesn’t have a fix, and some 3G-reliant Hyundai and Nissan models are screwed, too. Cars with 4G should have until at least 2035. PSA: Check the connectivity specs before you buy, folks.
The 3G shutdown impacts more than just your phone - These devices may stop working
While you don’t always need the latest and greatest tech gadgets, there are times when the need to upgrade is essential. This is the case for many people, with cellular networks phasing out the 3G standard. Older smartphones will lose most of their essential functions, including the ability to make and receive calls and texts.
10 things you don’t need around the house anymore because of tech
Just think, not so long ago, you likely adorned your home with a garish stand-up lamp, rotary dial telephone and a stereo with speakers two feet tall. While you expect these items to change from generation to generation, rapid advancements in tech over the last two decades have made many of these gadgets obsolete.
When 3G shuts down
Ready for the nationwide 3G shutdown coming next year? Listen now for a few things you need to know.
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3G is going away and so are your car's functions
Did you know your car could lose its data connection forever? Listen now to stop this from happening.
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Don't buy these creepy gadgets that take away your privacy this Christmas
Gift-giving season is here at last, and some of the hottest items on the list will likely be connected toys and gadgets and Internet-of-Things appliances.
To help you choose which gadgets deserve their place under the Christmas tree, Mozilla, the nonprofit organization known for its Firefox browser, just released its “Privacy Not Included” list for 2018.
Top carriers offer discounted senior phone plans - which is best?
It was not all that long ago when cellphones were not particularly common. It may be difficult to remember, but the ability to communicate with others at a moment’s notice was not always at the tip of our fingers or in our pockets. But now, with so many options, make sure you are getting the right phone for you. And the good news is, seniors get extra discounts, you just need to know where to look.
What you need to know about 5G
Open/download audioIf you’re using a new smartphone, it’s operating on a 4G LTE network. It’s about ten times faster than old 3G systems from five years ago. And now, both Verizon and AT&T are ready to roll out the fifth generation network known as 5G technology. Here’s what lies ahead in the technology and how it can affect you.
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