3G networks to shut down next year, disproportionately hurting rural seniors, poor; FCC is asked to stall the move

Rural Americans will be disproportionately affected when 3G wireless networks start shutting down in February. The move, meant to free up resources for 5G networks, will cut off phone and internet access for those who depend on the networks, and will also hamstring devices and services including life-alert systems, sensors that track school buses, court-ordered breathalyzers for convicted drunk drivers, and more, Cat Zakrzewski reports for The Washington Post. Nearly 20 percent of Americans were still on 3G networks as of 2018, according to market analysis firm OpenSignal. However, there is little current data on how many Americans still rely on devices that can only connect to 3G networks.

"Consumer advocates are urging the Federal Communications Commission to slow the change," Zakrzewski reports. "Older and low-income Americans are more likely to be affected by the shift, these advocates say. If they don’t upgrade in time, their phones and life-alert devices won’t be able to call 911 or other emergency services, government regulators warn."

Phone carriers don't want to slow the transition because they've warned about it for years and are trying to make sure their customers don't lose wireless access. Also, the old networks are far less profitable than newer networks. "AT&T, which plans to shutter its network in February, says it has reached out to affected customers and provided them with discounted or in some instances free phone upgrades," Zakrzewski reports. "Other networks, including T-Mobile, have delayed their shutdowns until slightly later to accommodate people who still haven’t upgraded: T-Mobile will shut down Sprint’s 3G network on March 31, 2022; Verizon has said it will shut down its network on Dec. 31, 2022."

The pandemic has complicated efforts to carry out the transition. Seniors, who often need technical support the most, have been leery of admitting service technicians from wireless carriers or home-alarm companies, and backed-up supply chains and a computer-chip shortage have made it difficult to replace old devices, Zakrzewski reports.

Law-enforcement officials have also pleaded with the FCC for more time to update electronic monitoring software for 3G-connected breathalyzers and bracelets for those convicted of crimes involving alcohol, Zakrzewski reports. The FCC hasn't intervened yet, but has done so before when it appeared that phasing out old technology would leave people vulnerable in an emergency.