Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 EFD Welcomes New Firefighters Public Safety Alert Stay Connected: Massachusetts Residents Encouraged to Plan Ahead For the Shutdown of 3G Cellular Networks The federal government and cellular providers have announced that older phones and devices will lose call and data functions, including the ability to contact 911 T Provisional Fire Chief Scott Dalrymple (center) is shown with new Everett Firefighters Jonathan Mendez, Shayne Mahoney, Michael Doyon, Patrick Neary, Marc Concannon and Eric Crafts following their graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy. (Photo Courtesy of the Everett Fire Department) he Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) is supporting efforts by carriers and the federal government to raise awareness about plans by major cellular providers to phase out 3G coverage beginning in early 2022. EOPSS urges Massachusetts residents and businesses who rely on older technology to plan for the potential loss of cell and data functions, specifically 911 service availability. Mobile carriers are retiring 3G technology to add bandwidth for faster and more reliable network services, such as 5G. The decommissioning effort is underway, and 3G coverage is already being phased out as the final sunset dates approach. If a mobile phone is more than several years old (e.g., older than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4), the phone may require an upgrade before mobile carriers eliminate 3G technology. For older phones and devices, the loss of 3G coverage will impact call and data service, including the ability to contact 911. These plans to phase out 3G coverage result from a decision made solely by the major cellular providers. The FCC urges consumers with phones older than the iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4 to contact their local mobile carrier or visit their carrier’s website to determine if a new device or software upgrade is necesALERT | SEE PAGE 17
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