Flip phone and other 3G network users from Verizon can breath a sigh of relief, at least for the time being. 

Verizon Wireless tells TLS that despite the announced shutdown of their 3G network at the end of 2020, it remains operational for the time being.

“For several years now we’ve publicly stated that our 3G CDMA network is being decommissioned, however our 3G network presently remains operational,” Chris Serico said.

But that shutdown is still coming, as the company continues its focus on 4G and 5G.

“We have worked for the past few years to help those with 3G devices transfer to devices capable of accessing the 4G LTE network and continue to actively work with remaining 3G customers to migrate them to new devices and technology,” said Serico.

So if you’re still using a 3G device, it’ll work for now, but you can no longer activate a new one.

“To facilitate the smooth migration of the remaining 3G devices in the market onto 4G LTE or 5G capable products and services, we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable to be activated on our network.”

Serico stated the number of 3G users is very small.

“Virtually all Verizon data traffic runs on our 4G LTE network. We have very few customers who are still accessing our 3G Network.”

A large number of those 3G users are right here in Lakewood, as they look to stay away from smartphones.

In 2018, a petition was launched to keep the 3G network, and Verizon at the time released a statement to TLS in response to the petition.

“We have said for several years that we will support our 3G (EVDO) network at least through the end of the decade, and that continues to be the plan. Nothing has changed. Virtually all of our traffic is on our 4G LTE network. We are actively working with our customers to help ensure any transition needs are addressed as early as possible. The best experience for customers is on a 4G device. We offer 4G flip phones. As we continue to invest in our networks, including more than $5.4 billion in New Jersey since 2015, our spending is focused on 4G and laying the groundwork for 5G.”

In 2019, Lakewood Township officials met with Verizon executives in response to numerous complaints about the service throughout Lakewood, but Verizon blamed the lag on the 3G users.

The Verizon representatives went on to explain how Lakewood’s high concentration of 3G phone users is severely impacting network coverage in the area. As Verizon’s network continues to morph from a majority of users being on 3G phones to customers being on 4G phones, the infrastructure for 3G phones is simply unable to accommodate the high numbers of 3G users. Because the infrastructure is no longer made to service 3G phones, the entire network lags.

Serico did not offer a time frame as to when the company actually plans on closing the lights on 3G.