AT&T shuts down their 3G network today. Even if you are not using a 3G device, you may still be impacted. See what steps you can take to avoid downtime.
AT&T’s 3G shutdown is upon us. Whether you’re ready or not, your devices may be affected and require updating to continue working. But what if you’re not even using 3G? You may be surprised, but as a part of the 3G sunset process, AT&T has updated their 5G and 4G networks’ custom Access Point Name (APN) behavior. Without the proper APN, your cellular device will never establish a connection to the network.
AT&T announced that their 3G network sunset process will commence today, February 22, 2022 and will impact many LTE devices including routers.
“AT&T will decommission our 3G (UMTS and HSPA) networks on February 22, 2022. While this action will cause all 3G only devices to stop operating, it will also impact some LTE capable devices,” the cellular carrier said in their bulletin.
This shutdown has impacted a number of devices we carry at the 5Gstore. This includes devices from Peplink, Sierra Wireless, and Option CloudGate. We have included important details from each of these manufacturers to outline their response to the shutdown and what steps you need to take to make sure you have working devices.
Peplink Devices
Almost all of Peplink’s devices are already compliant. Customers using a custom APN should update to one of the following firmware to maintain compatibility.
- CAT-4 to CAT-18: Firmware 8.1.3
- CAT-20 to 5G: Firmware 8.2.0
No action is required for customers not using a custom APN.
Not sure how to upgrade your firmware? Check out this post for instructions.
Sierra Wireless Devices
Soon after February 22, 2022, without a firmware upgrade, select AirLink RV55/LX40/LX60 LTE routers will cease to connect to the AT&T network due to the AT&T network changes.
Select AirLink RV55/LX40/LX60 LTE routers will require an ALEOS update prior to February 22, 2022 or these routers will go off air and will require a site visit to restore connectivity.
AirLink routers that are affected include:
- RV55 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104335 and 1104334 Wi-Fi
- LX40 North America GENERIC (WP7603); SKUs: 1104178 and 1104179 Wi-Fi
- LX40 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104579 and 1104573 Wi-Fi
- LX60 North America GENERIC (WP7603); SKUs: 1103826 and 1103827 Wi-Fi
- LX60 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104580, 1104572 Wi-Fi/GNSS, and 1104493 Telemetry
For more details about the Sierra Wireless 3G sunset plan, see details on this PDF.
Need instructions on how to update your device firmware, refer to the Software User Guide, available at Sierra Wireless Source.
Option CloudGate Devices
Please review the below PCN from Option and take all necessary steps as they have outlined before February 22nd, 2022 to avoid any device functionality issues.
Affected CloudGate SKUs:
- CloudGate LTE WW Rev4 (CG0124)
- CloudGate mini (CG0125)
- CloudGate micro (CM0125)
To update your CloudGate device’s firmware, if needed, you may do so from the CloudGate Universe website. See under Home -> Library -> Firmware. Don’t see what you’re looking for, or do you need additional support? Please reach out to our team.