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2G and 3G Network Shutdown
The wireless industry is retiring 2G and 3G networks to focus resources on the latest technology and Cellcom will soon shut down its 2G and 3G networks. You may have heard this referred to as the CDMA sunset. Some devices will no longer work when these networks are turned off and you may notice a change in experience if your device uses one of these networks. Cellcom will be contacting customers who are impacted by this network change. To remain connected, you need to ensure your device is compatible with 4G (LTE) and turn on VoLTE (Advanced Calling) on your phones.
When is Cellcom shutting down its 2G and 3G networks?
Cellcom will retire its 2G and 3G network in two phases. First, 2G and 3G data will be turned down on March 31, 2023. Then, 2G voice will be shut down on December 1, 2023. Cellcom partners with other carriers to provide nationwide coverage for its customers. Some of these partners have retired their 2G and 3G network or are planning to do so by the end of 2022.
Why are 2G and 3G networks being shut down?
In order to meet the demands for how consumers want to use wireless, the industry is investing and reallocating resources to 4G and 5G networks. To do so, support for legacy networks is being discontinued and the networks are being turned off.
What does this mean for me?
There are several ways you could be impacted by this change.
- If your device is not compatible with 4G (LTE) or VoLTE (Advanced Calling), it will no longer work after the 2G and 3G networks are shutdown. Cellcom has comparable products with the latest technology to support your wireless needs.
- The latest devices leverage the 4G and 5G networks as their primary connection but have support for 2G and 3G networks as a fallback if 4G or 5G isn’t available. If your device uses the 2G or 3G network from time to time, you may notice a change in experience. Cellcom continues to add 4G and 5G coverage and expects customers to have a positive experience after 2G and 3G are retired.
- Customers will need to make sure you have VoLTE (Advanced Calling) turned on so you can make a call after 2G networks are shut down. Our roaming partners will shut down their 2G networks on 12/31/22 and Cellcom will retire its 2G network on 12/1/23.
Do I need to get a new device? What devices are impacted?
Cellcom will be contacting customers who need a new device, which includes phones that are not compatible with VoLTE, 3G data devices such as Mi-Fi and residential broadband units, and some models of our home phone replacement unit. If you are unsure if you have one of the devices needing replacement, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer care team.
Can I stay on a basic phone?
Yes, if you want to stay with a basic phone, you can upgrade your current device to the comparable Orbic Journey available at Cellcom. It's a flip phone style device that supports the new technology and does not require a data plan.
Will I be able to dial 911 on old phones?
No. The 2G network previously supported the dialing of 911 on old phones that did not have a plan connected to them. When these networks are retired, these devices will no longer have the functionality to dial 911.
What happens if I do not upgrade my device?
If your device is not compatible with 4G, you will not be able to use it once the 2G and 3G networks are shut down. To avoid loss of service, including being able to call 911, you need a device that is compatible with new technology.
Will my coverage change?
Cellcom continues to add 4G and 5G coverage and expects customers to have a positive experience after 2G and 3G are retired, but you may notice some coverage changes when networks are shut down. You can refer to cellcom.com/map for the latest coverage information.
Have more questions?
Contact us by phone or chat or stop into a local retail store!