Have you inventoried your wireless technology?
Verizon, a major wireless company in the United States, has announced that it will no longer offer 3G cellular data as of December 31st, 2022. It marks the end of an era for 3G technology, a technology that has facilitated the evolution of smartphones and internet connectivity over the last two decades.
It was 3G technology that brought connection speeds that allowed for basic internet browsing and data transfer, paving the way for smartphones and other mobile devices. However, with the advancements of 4G and 5G networks, Verizon has decided to discontinue its 3G services.
This transition may bring challenges for businesses using devices only capable of accessing 3G networks, such as older models of phones, diagnostic machinery, or tablets. These devices will no longer have network access, including emergency calls. Also, numbers registered to accounts that have yet to migrate to more advanced networks by February 2023 will no longer have network access.
Make sure that you have carefully checked all possibilities
In order to support its customers during the transition, Verizon has provided free 4G phones to affected customers. In addition, many businesses still using 3G devices have been working with Verizon to develop an efficient migration plan to upgrade to 4G and 5G-enabled equipment.
The discontinuation of 3G will not affect all Verizon customers. Verizon has reported that less than 1% of its customers use the 3G network, and customers were informed well in advance of the discontinuation.
The issue is technology that uses wireless. Businesses, particularly manufacturing, make use of IoT (Internet of Things). 3G is less expensive and some of your embedded technology may make use of 3G.
My perspective
Verizon's decision to discontinue 3G marks a significant step in the evolution of cellular technology. As a result, Verizon can concentrate on developing and implementing advanced network services, such as 5G, cutting maintenance costs for older networks, and reusing frequencies previously reserved for 3G services. Business owners should stay up to date with the latest technological advancements on the market. This will enable them to take advantage of the increased productivity and efficiency offered through new technologies and consider upgrading to more advanced equipment.
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation,
hard work and learning from failure." -Colin Powell
By Denis Wilson
Thanks for reading this post. I always take into mind that your time and attention are precious. And these posts need to be timely, to the point, and short. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPIA Blogs. You can also find me on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.
I am also a published author and speaker on cloud computing, work-from-anywhere, and cybersecurity. I work extensively with business and professional associations to provide small business technology education programs.
Contact me if you would like me to speak to your association
