While it’s been in SOME news for a while, you may not have realized that 3G is being discontinued. By now, you should have heard of 3G cell services. You definitely have heard of 5G services, because not only does Verizon constantly pump that on commercials, but there was also the 5G controversy about the antennas and vaccines being tracking devices for people. 

Tracking issues aside, cellular companies are shuttering the 3G network, which means devices that use that network are going to have to upgrade to 4G or 5G, or even prepare for 6G. If your devices use a 3G service, you’ll need to upgrade the sim card, or even the antenna to actually be able to utilize the next spectrum. 

If you’re unsure, check your devices. While Wifi can work on many different spectrums, devices that utilize the 3G wavelength may only work on that wavelength. If you’re unsure of that, you may want to bring them to us, and we can tell you how to upgrade. In some cases, you may need to buy a whole new item, and many services that use the 3G network should have emailed or let consumers know how to change devices out for the next phase. Again, in some cases this can just be a changing of the antenna, but others may need a full refresh, prompting the need for new devices. 

This actually happens more than you think as the FCC changes wavelengths and delegates and controls the spectrum to make room for devices. All wireless and radio devices operate on a specific frequency and spectrum and the FCC controls the blocks needed for each block. You wouldn’t want to intrude on a airplane signal and disrupt landing procedures, or military signals, or emergency signals, so the FCC keeps a tight lid and control on these frequencies to ensure that they’re available for each block that needs them. 

Remember, if you need help, bring your device or email us with questions and we can help solve your issue.