Verizon Ends 3G Phone Activations Before Next Year's Big Change

The days of 3G are nearing their end. Verizon has confirmed that it will no longer activate 3G-only phones, meaning new customers or those in need of an upgrade will need to purchase a handset with 4G support. This shouldn't come as a surprise — the carrier has been saying for years that its 3G network is on the way out, though slowly, giving everyone more than enough time to upgrade.

The confirmation was given to Droid Life, which published a statement from Verizon. In it, the carrier pointed to its past statements, reminding the public that it has long planned to phase out its 3G CDMA network. The company previously said that its 3G network will be available until the end of 2019, leaving about a year and a half before it ends.

The majority of smartphone users on its network are already using the 4G LTE option; a small number continue to operate on 3G, however. Verizon says that it has decided to stop activating 3G-only devices in order to "facilitate a smooth transition" to the faster network. This doesn't mean existing 3G-only phones will stop working...for now, at least.

The transition should be a simple one for most customers. Many inexpensive smartphones with 4G LTE support are now available, such as the Moto E, and Verizon already sells flip phones that support its 4G network. The biggest issue for some 3G users aren't smartphones at all, though — they're Internet of Things devices that utilize the slower network, as well as devices like kid-tracking wristbands.

SOURCE: Droid Life