known as 5G — AT&T and other telecom companies are also moving to shut down old networks in an effort to free up bandwidth for newer, and potentially more profitable, services.
This week, AT&T becomes the first carrier to shut down its 3G network. T-Mobile will shut down its 3G network by summer and Verizon in December.The years-in-the-works process has also prompted calls for a delay because many products still rely on the old 3G standard.
The home-alarm industry has asked the Federal Communications Commission to delay AT&T's network shutdown until December.
The FCC is monitoring the 3G phase-out and working to "implement safeguards" for older phones and other devices, spokesperson Paloma Perez said last week.Here’s what you need to know and what devices could be affected: AT&T is set to shut down its 3G network on Tuesday, Feb.