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3G Networks Being Phased Out

According to the FCC, mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology. The three largest mobile providers - AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile - are phasing out their 3G networks in 2022. This will not only affect phones but other devices that run only on 3G, including medical devices, home security systems, tablets, smart watches, and vehicle SOS services. Many other carriers use the AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile networks, so customers of other providers may be impacted.

People with 3G-only phones will need to replace their phones with a newer model in order to receive service. Older cell phones that do not support 4G or 5G will simply quit working once those networks are phased out. Customers will not be able to send texts, make or receive calls, use data services and will have no access to 911. 3G is being phased out because of its lack of spectrum efficiency compared to 4G or 5G.

The major cellular providers have been gearing up for this shift for years. According to the CTIA, a trade association representing the wireless communications industry, less than 9% of U.S.

wireless customers remain on 3G networks today. Mobile carriers have the flexibility to choose the types of technologies and services that they deploy.

Members of the U.S. Senate and House passed a $480 billion short-term increase to the nation's debt limit, both on party- line votes. The bill now moves to President Biden for his signature.

The default deadline on the country's debts was set to exhaust by Monday, October 18th. Financial obligations such as payments to Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and military personnel could have been affected.

The relief is only temporary as Congress will have to revisit the default crisis in December. This falls at a time that they will also be addressing federal spending bills and avoiding a government shutdown.

Democrats recently introduced a bill that would transfer the duty of raising the debt limit away from Congress and move it to the  Treasury Secretary.

President Biden has signed the bill into law, delaying a federal default showdown until December.