Here’s why your older cellphone may be obsolete in 2022

CHARLOTTE — If you or a loved one are still clinging to that older cellphone because you don’t want to pay for a new one, your time may be running out.

Beginning next year, cellphone companies will start phasing out their older models in the switch to 5G.

Sandra White is 76 years old and admits she doesn’t know much about her smartphone. She still prefers her old flip phone.

“I don’t know how,” she said. “All of this new technology, I admit, I can’t keep up with it.”

Beginning in 2022, a lot of those older phones will become obsolete. The FCC is warning that if you have an outdated model, you may not be able to send text messages, access the internet or make phone calls -- not even to 911.

“It is important to plan now so that you don’t lose connectivity, including the ability to call 911,” the FCC said.

Phone companies are specifically pulling support from older, 3G networks.

• AT&T announced that it will finish shutting down its 3G network by February 2022.
• Verizon announced that will finish shutting down its 3G network by December 31, 2022.
• T-Mobile announced that it will finish shutting down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022 and Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network.

AT&T said that after next year, the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S4 will not work on its network.

AT&T posted a list of phones that will work on their network after next year. Verizon and T-Mobile have sections on their website dedicated to helping customers transition to 4G or 5G service plans.

“People who have access to the internet I think take it for granted and kind of assume everybody has access,” said Colin Rhinesmith.

He works with a digital equity group that helps low-income families get smartphones and laptops and said the change may put connectivity out of reach for some.

“The fact that we’re potentially asking folks to invest in new technology, on top of the fact that the internet is already expensive, can be challenging,” Rhinesmith said.

The FCC recommends customers contact their mobile provider for more information about their 3G retirement plan. Carriers may be offering discounted or free upgrades, and some devices may only require a software update.

The easiest way to check whether your phone will be affected is to look in the top right corner of your screen. If it says 4G or 4G LTE, you should be OK.

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