NAHANT — The Nahant Police and Fire departments have issued a warning to residents about the potential impacts that could result from mobile carriers’ plans to retire 3G services.
Mobile carriers plan to retire 3G networks, which rely on older technology, beginning in early 2022; this decision is aimed at allowing for more advanced and reliable network services. As a result, some older phones and devices will lose call and data functions, including the ability to contact 911.
AT&T plans to retire services in February and T-Mobile will do so on March 31. Verizon plans to stop these services by the end of next year.
“Residents with family members who use older devices are asked to check in with them and assist them in upgrading their devices, if necessary,” the departments said. “Residents are reminded that these are the dates for completion and mobile carriers may begin retiring parts of the network earlier. Residents with mobile carriers not listed may still be affected.
Mobile devices, including those older than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4, may require an upgrade before the elimination of the 3G network.
“Residents with older phones are urged to contact their mobile carrier or visit their carrier’s website to determine if a new device or software upgrade is necessary,” the statement said.
The shutdown may also affect other devices, including medical devices, tablets, smartwatches, vehicle SOS services, personal emergency-alert devices, and security systems.
“Residents concerned about a device’s connectivity should contact the monitoring company or service provider to see whether or not the device will be impacted,” the statement said.
