AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon plan to start sunsetting their 2G and 3G networks next year. But several Senate Democrats question what that means for rural residents.
Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 13 Senators in requesting information from the CEOs of Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T on their companies’ plans to transition away from 2G or 3G services beginning in 2022. Many consumers living in rural areas rely on 2G or 3G services because they’re the only option in their area and are typically less expensive than 4G and 5G service plans, reported WDVM-TV.
The Senators said in part, “While advances and investments in mobile wireless data services, such as 5G, are exciting and welcome, they also risk only benefiting some places and furthering the digital divide in many areas of the United States. Consumers that are struggling financially or have no other mobile wireless options need adequate information and support so they do not suffer additional hardships as companies begin to shut down these legacy services. We must ensure that we do not leave these consumers behind in the move to 5G.”
The Senators continued: “Researchers estimate that approximately 13 percent of Americans rely on older 2G or 3G technology, with other estimates putting that number higher. For many customers who live in these areas, a mobile wireless connection is their only tool for staying in touch with friends and family, doing homework, or making a living. Shutting down 2G and 3G services in these areas without adequate notice, or before 4G or 5G services are available as a replacement, risks leaving millions of Americans completely disconnected.”
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