The ongoing transition to 5G is ramping up, and as it does, 5G will start to take over more and more of the cell networks. 5G is much faster than 4G LTE, and with its higher speeds and lower latency, it’s better suited to handle things like streaming video, online gaming, and other data-intensive uses. For this reason, it’s important that the majority of users have access to cell networks that support 5G. Otherwise, there’s a risk that the 5G rollout will be delayed, or that it could even be affected by the so-called “3G shutdown.” How will the 3G shutdown affect your phone? Let’s take a look.
What is the 3G Shutdown?
The 3G shutdown is the name used to describe the moment when the majority of smartphones transition to using only 2G/3G networks instead of 4G/5G.
The transition happens when the major cell carriers reach a certain saturation point, at which point they stop launching new 4G/5G networks. They do this in order to alleviate strain on the network and to give priority to the remaining 3G networks.
This transition usually happens slowly, starting with smaller geographic areas and then spreading to larger ones.
At the moment, the 3G shutdown is ongoing, but it’s expected to reach its peak soon. Once it does, it will then be slowly winding down.
This means that the 3G shutdown is at its highest point now, and it’s expected to slowly taper off over the coming months.
Why Does the 3G Shutdown Matter?
The 3G shutdown is important because it affects the speed and performance of your smartphone. You’ll notice a drop in performance when using data-intensive apps or browsing the web. It could also affect network strength and reliability. If you depend on accessing a particular app or service, like your email or healthcare provider, the 3G shutdown could cause problems.
3G networks are slower and use less data than 4G networks, but the good news is that you’re likely to benefit from the increased speeds of 5G after the 3G shutdown winds down.
What Happens During the 3G Shutdown?
The 3G shutdown has two parts.
First, the carriers stop launching new 4G/5G networks, meaning that you can’t access 5G-powered services on your mobile phone.
Second, once the shutdown reaches a certain saturation point, the major carriers begin moving their 3G networks to 2G/3G instead of 4G/5G. This means that the speed of the existing 3G network will decrease, and it could even slow down to 2G speeds.
The carriers don’t say exactly when they reach saturation, but they usually get there after they launch new 4G/5G services. It usually takes a few months, and the process is usually complete within a year.
How Long Does the 3G Shutdown Last?
The 3G shutdown usually lasts for at least one year, but it could last for two or even three years. Once the carriers reach saturation point, it takes about a year for them to complete the transition.
The exact length of the shutdown depends on a number of factors, including the number of 4G/5G networks that are launched and the number of people who are accessing them.
If the shutdown lasts a short time, it could even be completed in one year, but it could take longer if 4G/5G networks aren’t deployed quickly enough.
The Road Ahead: 5G Rollout and Beyond
As of early 2019, the number of phones that support 5G is still quite low.
The good news is that the 3G shutdown will increase the supply of 5G networks, which is likely to make it easier to find compatible phones.
If you’re in the market for a new phone, or you’re looking to upgrade your current one, you can take heart in the fact that 5G is finally coming to a carrier near you.
As of early 2019, the number of phones that support 5G is still quite low. This means that the rollout of 5G is still quite slow, and it’s likely to be several years before it becomes a viable option on most networks.
The good news is that the 3G shutdown will increase the supply of 5G networks, which is likely to make it easier to find compatible phones.
If you’re in the market for a new phone, or you’re looking to upgrade your current one, you can take heart in the fact that 5G is finally coming to a carrier near you.
Conclusion
The ongoing transition to 5G is ramping up, and as it does, 5G will start to take over more and more of the cell networks. 5G is much faster than 4G LTE, and with its higher speeds and lower latency, it’s better suited to handle things like streaming video, online gaming, and other data-intensive uses. For this reason, it’s important that the majority of users have access to cell networks that support 5G. Otherwise, there’s a risk that the 5G rollout will be delayed, or that it could even be affected by the so-called “3G shutdown.” How will the shutdown affect your phone? Let’s take a look.
