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For years, 4G LTE has powered our smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices with fast, reliable connectivity. But as 5G continues to roll out across the world, many are wondering: When will LTE shut down or when will 4G shutdown?
In this blog post, we’ll look back at the 3G sunset, analyze the current state of 4G, and share informed predictions about when the 4G network might be retired. Whether you’re a business relying on LTE-enabled devices or a consumer curious about your next upgrade, this article will help you understand what’s next—and how 5Gstore.com can help.
Looking Back: The 3G Shutdown Story
To understand the 4G future, it helps to understand the past. The 3G network, launched in the early 2000s, was a major leap forward in mobile technology. It enabled web browsing, email, video calling, and streaming from your mobile phone—revolutionary at the time.
But technology never stands still. When 4G LTE became widespread in the 2010s, 3G quickly began to fall out of favor. Compared to 4G, 3G was slower, less efficient, and unable to support the growing demand for video and cloud-based apps.
Why Carriers Shut Down 3G
- Spectrum Efficiency: Carriers needed to repurpose the radio frequencies used for 3G in order to expand and improve 4G and 5G coverage.
- Cost Savings: Maintaining legacy networks adds operational complexity and cost. Shutting down 3G reduced infrastructure burdens.
- Device Transition: By ending 3G support, carriers nudged users to upgrade to 4G- or 5G-compatible devices, which are more secure and future-proof.
U.S. 3G Shutdown Timeline
Major U.S. carriers retired their 3G networks as follows:
- AT&T ended 3G service in February 2022.
- T-Mobile shut down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network in March 2022 and T-Mobile’s own 3G in July 2022.
- Verizon discontinued its 3G CDMA network at the end of 2022.
This created a rush for upgrades in various industries—from security systems and fleet trackers to medical alert devices. Businesses and consumers alike were forced to act quickly, and those unprepared faced major disruptions.
Where 4G Stands Today
While 3G is history, 4G LTE remains the primary mobile data network in use today. Even many 5G services still depend on 4G infrastructure via “Non-Standalone” mode, where 5G radio access is anchored by a 4G core.
Most phones, tablets, routers, and IoT devices on the market today are LTE-compatible, and a huge portion of the mobile internet still flows over LTE networks.
Why 4G Isn’t Going Anywhere (Yet)
- Massive Device Base: Tens of millions of LTE devices are active across the U.S. and globally.
- Global Dependence: Many countries—especially in developing regions—still rely primarily on LTE due to cost and infrastructure limitations.
- 5G is Not Fully Deployed: While 5G continues to expand, most areas still depend on LTE as a fallback or primary service.
- NSA vs. SA Networks: Many 5G networks today run in Non-Standalone mode, relying on a 4G anchor. Only when carriers fully deploy 5G Standalone networks will they be able to sunset LTE without disruption.
When Will 4G Be Shut Down?
It’s clear that 4G won’t be phased out overnight. However, history teaches us that network sunsets often begin with early notices and transition phases.
Drivers Behind a Future 4G Shutdown
- 5G Standalone Maturity: As carriers roll out full 5G cores and move away from LTE dependency, they will eventually begin to decommission LTE infrastructure.
- Spectrum Demand: Carriers may want to repurpose 4G spectrum for 5G use to improve coverage and speeds.
- Security and Efficiency: Newer networks offer better encryption and energy efficiency, encouraging migration away from LTE over time.
- IoT Evolution: As IoT moves toward NB-IoT and 5G RedCap, legacy LTE modules will be phased out.
Estimated Timeline for 4G Sunset
Though no U.S. carrier has officially announced a 4G shutdown date, experts and analysts estimate the following:
- First Notices Could Appear Between 2032–2035
- Widespread Phase-Out From 2035–2045
- Complete Shutdown by Mid-2040s or Later
Global Variance
Developed countries with robust 5G infrastructure will lead the charge, while developing markets may continue using LTE well into the 2050s. Some low-band LTE may remain active longer for IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
Buying 4G Equipment Now? Here’s What to Consider
At 5Gstore.com, we still sell a wide variety of high-performance 4G LTE routers and devices, and they are still a smart investment for the short-to-medium term. However, if you’re buying now, consider the long game:
Why You May Want to Spend a Little More Now
If you buy a 4G-only router in 2025, you’ll almost certainly have to replace it before the 4G sunset in the 2030s–2040s. The replacement cost, configuration time, and potential business disruption could outweigh the small savings you get by going with 4G today.
Instead, consider:
- Dual-Connectivity Routers (4G + 5G)
These future-proof routers let you use LTE today and transition to 5G when your area supports it—without needing to upgrade your hardware. - 5G Standalone-Ready Devices
These ensure you’re compatible with modern 5G networks, not just the temporary 5G NSA setups that rely on LTE cores.
We’re not saying 4G is obsolete—but if you want your router to last 7–10 years, it’s worth paying a little more now for forward compatibility.
What is 5G RedCap—and Why Should You Care?
A big part of the 4G-to-5G transition involves devices that don’t need massive bandwidth but do require longevity, reliability, and lower cost. This is where 5G RedCap comes in.
What is RedCap?
RedCap stands for Reduced Capability, and it’s a new category of 5G designed for devices that would traditionally use LTE Cat 4 or Cat 6. These include:
- Industrial IoT devices
- Wearables
- Smart meters
- Vehicle tracking systems
- Entry-level fixed wireless equipment
RedCap brings the advantages of 5G—like lower latency and improved network efficiency—but at a lower cost and power usage. It’s ideal for customers looking for:
- Longer product lifespans
- Secure, efficient connections
- Affordable upgrade paths from LTE
Many RedCap-enabled routers and modules are expected to hit the market in 2025–2026, making them a viable option for future-focused buyers who don’t need full 5G speeds.
Should You Wait for RedCap?
If your deployment is not urgent and you’re planning to scale across many devices, waiting for RedCap-certified products might make sense. However, if you need connectivity now, go with a 5G-ready device with fallback to 4G LTE—and make sure it’s firmware-upgradeable to support RedCap when available.
What Should Customers of 5Gstore.com Do?
At 5Gstore.com, we work with thousands of customers across industries who rely on LTE for everything from mobile broadband to industrial IoT. Here’s how we recommend preparing for the 4G transition:
- Evaluate Your Hardware: If it’s LTE-only and mission-critical, consider upgrading.
- Choose 5G-Ready Devices: Ensure you’re not stuck when LTE sunsets.
- Understand Carrier Plans: LTE timelines may vary by carrier, so always verify your service region.
- Think Long-Term: The average device life cycle is 5–8 years. Make your next purchase with 2030 in mind.
At-a-Glance: 4G Shutdown Predictions by Region
| Region | Initial Shutdown Notices | Major Phase-Out Window | Complete Sunset Likely |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2032–2035 | 2035–2045 | 2045 or later |
| Western Europe | 2030–2034 | 2034–2044 | 2045 or later |
| East Asia (Japan, S. Korea) | 2032–2035 | 2035–2045 | 2045 or later |
| Developing Nations | 2035–2040 | 2040–2055 | 2055 or later |
The 5Gstore.com Take
The 4G shutdown is not imminent—but it is inevitable. Just like 3G before it, LTE will reach a tipping point where spectrum needs, technology shifts, and cost pressures bring about its retirement.
By investing in 5G-compatible devices or holding out for RedCap, you can extend the lifespan of your equipment and stay ahead of disruption. Also, understand that the 4G Shutdown will happen at different times for different carriers and may not even be discussed until 2029 – 2030 and may not be officially shutdown until 2032. If you want to invest in a router now and you don’t want to replace for another 10 years, perhaps pay a little extra now and then not be forced to upgrade later.
At 5Gstore.com, our mission is to help you prepare with:
- Expert advice
- Future-proof product options
- Ongoing firmware and support
- Personalized deployment planning
Don’t wait for an emergency upgrade. Let’s build your connectivity roadmap—today.
Here are module makes that are currently making 5G Redcap modules (Sierra EM8695)
Need help choosing 5G-ready or RedCap-compatible hardware?
Contact our team for a free consultation.
Let 5Gstore.com help you stay connected today—and prepared for tomorrow.
