It seems like quite some time ago now that we learned T-Mobile and Sprint would finally be merging their networks. Finally, T-Mobile has announced that it will retire Sprint’s LTE network this upcoming June. This comes about a year and half after shutting down Sprint’s 3G network. This is just the next step in T-Mobile’s move to roll out more 5G service nationwide. A plan they’ve been able to move quickly on by repurposing some of Sprint’s old cell towers. When quoted on the topic, T-Mobile states, “To ensure all customers can enjoy a more advanced 4G and 5G network, we will be retiring older network technologies to free up resources and spectrum that will help us strengthen our entire network, move all customers to more advanced technologies and bridge the Digital Divide.”
Here’s an outline of all the upcoming network shutdowns:
T-Mobile and Sprint 3G/2G/4G LTE network shutdown dates
- Sprint 2G/3G CDMA network shutdown date: January 1, 2022
- Sprint 4G LTE network sunset date: June 30, 2022
- T-Mobile 3G network shutdown date: April 1, 2022 (formerly October 1st, 2021)
- T-Mobile 2G network shutdown date: January 1, 2023
Verizon 3G network shutdown date
- Verizon 3G network sunset: January 1, 2023
AT&T 3G network shutdown date
- AT&T 3G network sunset: February 1, 2022
Will your 3G phone stop working when T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T shut down their 3G networks?
Unfortunately, yes, for the most part. Per AT&T: “When we shut down the 3G network, there won’t be data or voice service for devices that don’t have at least have 4G capabilities. This means that while some device features might still work, you won’t be able to access our network unless you upgrade to a newer device,” — this is valid for all 3G phones on all carriers when their respective networks are sunset.