3G Networks Are Going Away

You may have heard that 3G networks are being phased out this year. This means older phones and other devices, including medical devices, will stop working if they run on 3G. Folks with a 3G phone won’t be able to reach 911, 211, or receive emergency alerts. While local governments have no control over this change, it presents safety concerns.
The Sheriff’s Office, County of Sonoma, and 211 are doing a joint education campaign to try to reach the folks most likely affected. See our bilingual Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/sonoma.sheriff/posts/5380102058680990

Here are a few key facts:
– 3G service will be obsolete by the end of this year
– All cell phone providers are affected.
– AT&T will finish shutting down by February 2022.
– Verizon will finish shutting down by December 31, 2022.
– T-Mobile will finish shutting down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022 and Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.

What to do:
– Check all your devices (phone, medical devices, etc.) to determine if any are 3G.
– Call your provider or check their website if you aren’t sure if your device will be affected.
– Replace your device as soon as you can.
– Contact your carrier if you need financial assistance replacing your device.
– Contact 211 if you need additional assistance
– Call 211
– Visit www.211sonoma.org
– Text your zip code to 898-211

More information is on www.fcc.gov