U.S: Major cellular phone carriers are sunsetting, or shutting down, their 3G networks...

"...to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cellphones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice). This could also impact other gadgets, such as medical devices, home security systems, smart watches, vehicle SOS services and other connected products may be using 3G network services" said the Federal Communications Commission.

The various cell companies will be retiring or sunsetting their 3G networks throughout this year. Here's information on dates from the FCC. It's possible dates could change, but it's good to know what is coming up so you can prepare, if needed:

• AT&T will finish shutting down its 3G network by February (bit.ly/3qgPtUE).
• Verizon will finish shutting down its 3G network by Dec. 31 (vz.to/3fd3UTf).
• T-Mobile will finish shutting down Sprint's 3G CDMA network by March 31 (t-mo.co/3r2gFpc)
• Sprint's 4G LTE network by June 30. It also announced it will shut down
• T-Mobile's 3G UMTS network by July 1, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.

If your mobile carrier is not listed here, you may still be affected. Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk and several Lifeline mobile service providers, utilize AT&T's, Verizon's and T-Mobile's networks.

A story by my USA Today colleague Brett Molina has more detail : https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/10/22/wireless-service-3-g-shutdown-coming-soon/8538388002/