People who have older phones and AT&T as their provider may notice they can’t make a call or receive calls today. And that’s because today is the day ATT is shutting down its 3G network. So, if you're still using a 3G phone or for your low-power devices, let this be your sign that it's time to switch.

This will impact older Android phones, iPhone 5 or older, any device that relies on this network to function. That means people with 3G and some 4G devices, those that don’t support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) — will no longer get service. These devices will no longer be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages, including to 911, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Data services used to access the internet through 3G will also not work, but WiFi should still function.

What will happen to my 3G-only phone?

It will stop working properly

What should I do if my phone is affected?

Unfortunately, there’s no work around to fix older devices, and no way to upgrade them. If your phone does not have access to the newer networks, you will need to get a new one.

Many networks have offered deals to those affected, and given free phones so it is worth calling AT&T.

How can I check if my phone is affected?

Apple phones older than the iPhone 6 and Samsung phones older than the Galaxy S5, for example, are among the once-popular devices that will lose cell service support.

AT&T released a detailed guide for customers to determine which mobile and smartphones will continue to be supported and which ones might require a software update to support 5G.

To determine your phone's exact model:

• iPhone: Go to Settings. Tap General. Then tap About to view the model name and number.

• Android: Go to Settings. You may have to go into the System menu next. Tap About Phone or About Device to view the model name and number.

• Other Models: Go to Settings. Tap About Phone to view the model name and number. Some phone have the model number on a label outside the phone. Remove the back cover. Remove the battery. Look for the model number on the inside of the phone, usually on a white label.

Verizon's full list of devices that will no longer work is available here.There are two ways to do so. On the top of your phone screen you should be able to see if it says 3G 4G or 5G. If you don’t see it there go into settings and search under the cellular tab, click on “Data options” and there will tell you what you use for voice & data. 

When will other carrier like VERIZON, T-MOBILE, SPRINT phase out their 3G networks?

T-Mobile will finish shutting down Sprint’s 3G network, also known as CDMA, on March. 31, 2022, and retire Sprint’s LTE network by June 30, 2022. T-Mobile also plans to shut down its 3G networks by July 1, 2022, and will retire its older GSM 2G network, but no date has been set.

Verizon said it would finish decommissioning its 3G network by Dec. 31, 2022.

The FCC notes that regional carriers like Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk and Lifeline mobile service providers use AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile's networks, and will also be impacted by the phase out.

What other devices will be impacted?

Also on the list, the Sunset or shutdown will go after other pieces of tech offline. That includes 3G-enabled e-readers, tablets, and smartwatches. It also will affect a handful of non-personal items, like GPS systems or emergency notifications on cars, security systems in homes or businesses, and medical devices that share health data with doctors.

The shutdown presents enormous consequences for alarm systems and personal emergency response systems that many seniors rely on medical alert devices. That means connected devices including home alarms and medical alert equipment could stop working after that date if they’re not upgraded to a newer network.