Tag: GSM

Why is T-Mobile Shutting Down LTE and 3G Networks?

As of a few days ago (June 30th), Sprint’s LTE network was finally retired by its new owner, T-Mobile. Sprint’s 3G CDMA network was shut down earlier this year, so this is just the next part of their Network Evolution process. Along with this retirement comes the shut down of T-Mobile’s own 3G UMTS network (July 1st). 

While it may come as a surprise to some, T-Mobile has actually kept Sprint’s networks in play since they officially took over in April 2020. Now that the 5G rollout is in full force, they need to repurpose these old networks for 5G spectrum.

If you happen to still be using a phone running on Sprint LTE or T-Mobile’s 3G, it’s likely you’ve already encountered problems with your service. No worries, T-Mobile will help you to get a 5G phone. The company says customers were informed with more than enough time to make the switch. Customers were also notified of a free offer on a replacement 5G device. 

On the note of retirement, T-Mobile’s 2G GSM network is still operational. The company plans to retire it, but does not have a set date at this time.

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Did T-Mobile Delay the Sprint 3G Network Shut Down?

Good news for Sprint customers that are still relying on 3G services comes from T-Mobile today. The 3G shutdown was actually scheduled for today, but it has since been pushed back to May 31, 2022. This comes after a delay they set back in January, when they said they would extend it for “partners.”

Only time can tell what the end result will be as according to SoftBank’s website, there’s a strong possibility of a third delay. Per the iPhone global services guide, the site says “there is a possibility that the date of May 31 will be rescheduled in the future”. 

Claims from another source say that even though the shutdown date has been moved to May 31, the shutdown will still begin on March 31. Lines using 3G CDMA service will be disabled and rerouted to customer care. 

T-Mobile is not stopping at CDMA however. The carrier also has plans to end its own 3G UMTS network by July 1st of this year. The original shutdown date was as far back as October 1st, 2021, so we will again wait and see what happens! 

Surprisingly, T-Mobile’s 2G GSM network is still operating, but is also planned to be shut down. No date has been determined at this time.

Other news surrounding Sprint say the LTE network is set to be shut down on June 30th of this year.

And what about Verizon and AT&T? Verizon recently announced it would shut down its 3G network on December 31, 2022. Since this was already delayed back in 2019, the carrier states it will not delay this shutdown again. AT&T’s 3G network was shut down just last month.

In regards to the shutdown, a spokesperson from T-Mobile reached out to 9to5Mac with the following statement:

“We are proceeding as planned with the orderly shutdown of our CDMA network beginning on March 31. As part of our shutdown process, we are migrating customers in some areas over the following 60 days to ensure they are supported and not left without connectivity, and the network will be completely turned off by no later than May 31. This is a normal network transition process. We look forward to sunsetting this outdated technology so every customer will have access to the best connectivity and best experience in wireless.“

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When Will Sprint’s 3G Network Shut Down?

AT&T’s 3G network was the first of the carriers’ to be shut down. Next on the list is Sprint. Since its merger with T-Mobile in April 2020, this network is currently controlled by T-Mobile. The sunset of the Sprint 3G (CDMA) network is part of T-Mobile’s network evolution plan to make LTE and 5G services available to more users nationwide. 

Here’s the alert that was sent to customers just recently:

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Dear Customer,

On March 31, 2022, Sprint’s older 3G (CDMA) network will be retired. Customers still using a device that is dependent on Sprint’s 3G (CDMA) network or that does not support VoLTE will need to upgrade to a more modern device to continue getting service, including the ability to make 911 calls depending on your location.

Some device models that will need to be upgraded include:

  • Devices (handsets, IoT/M2M, tablets and air cards) that operate solely on the Sprint CDMA Network
  • Devices that operate using dual mode CDMA/LTE or LTE technologies that do not support Voice over LTE (“VoLTE”)

For additional information, see here.

We understand the importance of being able to plan for these network changes and we are committed to keeping you informed with up-to-date information.

Thank you for being a T-Mobile for Business Partner.

Sincerely,

Your Partner Program Team

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It’s also important to note that as of June 30, 2022 Sprint’s LTE network will be retired. Starting the next day on July 1, 2022, T-Mobile’s older 3G UMTS network will be retired.

T-Mobile also shared that they plan on retiring their older GSM 2G network, however no date has been set. 

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