3G Shutdown

[Brian60452]

When Verizon shuts down the 3G network, what does this mean for areas that only have 3G coverage?  For example rural areas, or patchy locations in the city.  Will 5G fill in the gaps for these areas?  If so will older iPhones such as the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 be able to connect via since they support VoLTE?  Or will they require 5G modems?

[Ann154]

The 1xRTT and 3G EDVO network should be converted to either a 4G LTE network or the newer 5G network. 

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello, Brian60452. We certainly understand your concern with having access to service when 3G is no longer available in the area. With the CDMA Network Retirement, we will continue to provide customers with 4G service access. In addition, we also have extended network access, that allow services to works on carriers networks. *Cassie

[Brian60452 · Accepted solution]

Will there be 4G LTE expanded to cover these locations?  Or will 5G cover these gaps?  If 5G covers these gaps, phones with VoLTE will not have access to these networks unless they have 5G modems in them.  Will there still be support for phones in these areas with 5G capabilities?

[Brian60452]

Thank you for your response.  To pick your brain, do you have any idea whether 4G LTE will expanded to cover these locations?  Or will 5G cover these gaps?  If 5G covers these gaps, phones with VoLTE will not have access to these networks unless they have 5G modems in them.  Do you think there will still be support for phones in these areas without 5G capabilities?

[Brian60452]

Thank you for your response.  To pick your brain, do you have any idea whether 4G LTE will expanded to cover these locations?  Or will 5G cover these gaps?  If 5G covers these gaps, phones with VoLTE will not have access to these networks unless they have 5G modems in them.  Do you think there will still be support for phones in these areas without 5G capabilities?