From time to time there are large transitions in the world of technology that can affect millions of people. These transitions for some can be frustrating because they can bring with them change that wasn’t being looked for. For others, this kind of transition doesn’t really affect them because they had already moved on to new technology that isn’t affected. One such transition that does is when the GSMA shuts down one of its generations of networking. When it comes to changes that will happen in 2022, the GSMA is shutting down its third-generation network.
Slated to have occurred in February of 2022, this kind of transition can tend to be more fluid and dates can be pushed around. The one thing that is certain, is that 2022 is the year that G3 is planned to be shut down permanently, and that could put people in a position where they don’t quite know what to do.
If you are worried that you will be affected by the shutdown of 3G, here is everything you need to know about what it will do to your 3G phone, and what steps you need to take to prepare for it.
As you have probably been hearing about the 3G shutdown, you may not understand exactly what that means or what it will mean for your 3G device when that happens. The term 3G refers to the third network generation that allows mobile devices to interact with the global network. This is how your phone has received cellular services that have allowed you to make phone calls, send text messages and access the internet, all without the aid of wifi.
A 3G dependant device is going to be a device that is incapable of having any network features without the presence of the 3G network. If you have a 3G phone then once the 3G network is shut down you will no longer be able to do a lot of the things and enjoy a lot of the features you have. You won’t be able to send or receive phone calls, texts, emails, or access the internet in any kind of cellular way.
Most devices will still have the ability to connect to the internet, so being able to enjoy features that are powered by wifi will still be available. Just because the 3G network is going down doesn’t mean that your device still won’t be able to turn on, connect to your wifi, and have those features supported.
This doesn’t just affect cell phones, however; tablets, cars, and any kind of technology that relied on the cellular capabilities of G3 will no longer have those supported features.
The main reason that network generations get permanently retired is due to capacity and infrastructure. Often times technology along with the volume of customers will outgrow the capabilities and resources of the network. When this happens, a new generation has to be created that has a larger digital infrastructure to accommodate new technology and new customers.
While new network generations like 4G and 5G can support a lot of exciting new technology and have room for millions of new users, it can, unfortunately, mean that you have to upgrade your device. If you want to still maintain cellular functionality and services, when 3G gets fully shut down your only option will be to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G device.
One of the barriers to upgrading a cell phone can be the price tag associated with it. Flagship phones from the biggest tech companies in the world like Apple, Samsung, and Google can get pricey really fast. For some people, they need cellular capabilities but they don’t need or want all the features that the latest and greatest cell phone offers. What’s more, is that sometimes these phones can cost upward of a thousand dollars or more!
The good news is that when it comes to upgrading to a 4G or 5G capable phone, you have a lot of options at your disposal. In fact, 5G networks comes with multiple benefits for gaming and for 5G CPE. RedPocket is a cellular provider that believes in cutting the kind of corners that allows them to give you exceptional service that fits your budget. Because they don’t pay for multi-million dollar Super Bowl ads or have stadium arenas that they sponsor, they can focus on bringing you quality at an affordable price.
There are several different ways you can build a cell phone plan through RedPocket that work with your budget. Not only that, but with flexible financing, and access to affordable 4G and 5G capable devices, you can upgrade your cell phone and get quality service all in one place at a price that works for you!
