What you need to know about the U.S. 3G/HSPA shutdown
Learn more about the 3G network shutdown by U.S. wireless carriers and its impact on your roaming services.
Starting February 22, 2022, AT&T will begin phasing out its 3G/HSPA wireless network service in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Who will the shutdown affect?
The shutdowns will only impact mobile devices that do not support 4G LTE data and Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) roaming.
Those with devices impacted by the shutdown will not be able to perform the following tasks:
- Make or receive wireless calls (including 911 calls)
- Send or receive text messages or use cellular data while roaming in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands)
Note: The shutdown will not have any effect on your service in Canada.
Is my device affected by the shutdowns?
Here's a list of supported VoLTE devices that are not affected by the shutdowns.
What should I do if my services stop working?
If the 3G shutdown impacts your mobile device, please upgrade to a 4G LTE data and VoLTE roaming capable device to continue to use data, talk and text services while travelling in the U.S.
You can upgrade your mobile device online. Switching to another service provider will not help as the U.S. 3G/HSPA shutdown will impact all affected devices, regardless of the wireless provider.
If you are roaming in the U.S. with a 4G LTE data and VoLTE roaming capable device, you may need to enable VoLTE in your settings. Follow these instructions to activate LTE/VoLTE on your mobile device.
Are there any other options if I am travelling to the U.S. with a 3G device?
The U.S. 3G shutdown should not impact your ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network.