Editing 3G (section)

=== Decline and decommissions ===
Since the increasing adoption of [[4G]] networks across the globe, 3G use has been in decline. Several operators around the world have already or are in the process of shutting down their 3G networks (see [[#Phase-out|table below]]). In several places, 3G is being shut down while its older predecessor 2G is being kept in operation; [[Vodafone]] UK is doing this, citing 2G's usefulness as a low-power fallback.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theregister.com/2019/10/18/dont_switch_off_2g_report/|title=Sod 3G, that can go, but don't rush to turn off 2G, UK still needs it – report|first=Kat|last=Hall|website=www.theregister.com}}</ref> [[EE (telecommunications)|EE]] in the UK, plans to switch off their 3G networks in early 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We're Switching Off Our 3G Network |url=https://ee.co.uk/3g-switch-off |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=EE |language=en-gb}}</ref> In the US, [[Verizon (mobile network)|Verizon]] shutdown their 3G services on 31 December 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-30 |title=3G CDMA Network Shut off date set for December 31, 2022 |url=https://www.verizon.com/about/news/3g-cdma-network-shut-date-set-december-31-2022 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=www.verizon.com |language=en}}</ref> T-Mobile shut down [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]]'s networks on {{Date|Mar 31, 2022}} and shutdown their main networks on 1 July 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=T-Mobile Network Evolution |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network-evolution |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=T-Mobile Support |language=en}}</ref> and [[AT&T]] has done so on 22 February 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Samantha Murphy |date=2022-02-22 |title=AT&T is shutting down its 3G network. Here's how it could impact you {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/tech/att-3g-network-shutdown/index.html |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

Currently 3G around the world is declining in availability and support. Technology that depends on 3G for usage are becoming inoperable in many places. For example, the [[European Union]] plans to ensure that member countries maintain 2G networks as a fallback{{Citation needed|date=April 2022|reason=The only nearby reference doesn't appear to support this, as far as I can tell; it may well be true, but it needs verifiability.}}, so 3G devices that are backwards compatible with 2G frequencies can continue to be used. However, in countries that plan to decommission 2G networks or have already done so as well, such as the United States and Singapore, devices supporting only 3G and backwards compatible with 2G are becoming inoperable.<ref>{{cite web|author=arsyline.cz |url=https://eshop.sectron.eu/en/2g-and-3g-networks-are-shutting-down-globally/a-6316 |title=2G and 3G networks are shutting down globally?! |publisher=SECTRON s.r.o |date= |accessdate=2022-02-26}}</ref> As of February 2022, less than 1% of cell phone customers in the United States used 3G; AT&T offered free replacement devices to some customers in the run-up to its shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/22/tech/att-3g-network-shutdown/index.html|title=AT&T is shutting down its 3G network. Here’s how it could impact you|first=Samantha Murphy|last=Kelly|date=22 February 2022|website=CNN}}</ref>