Quick summary of 3G status in the USA:
1. CARRIERS
2. SUMMARY
3. DATES
4. OLD PEOPLE
5. OLD CARS
6. BUSINESS CONCERNS

USA CARRIERS:
The three biggest cellular carriers, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile will shut
down in 2022
<https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/mobile-carriers-retiring-3g-networks-for-5g-in-2022/2603040/>

USA SUMMARY:
Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
<https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service>
"Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on
older technology, to make room for more advanced network services,
including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones will be unable
to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911,
or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and
certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice
over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice)."

USA DATES:
<https://www.tomsguide.com/news/3g-networks-are-shutting-down-next-year-how-it-impacts-you>
"AT&T is first up, planning to turn off 3G in February.
T-Mobile will first shut down Sprint's 3G network on March 31.
The two carriers have merged with T-Mobile absorbing Sprint's customers.
T-Mobile's own 3G network is targeted for a July shutdown.

Verizon has pushed back its 3G shutdown date before, but as of
December 31, 2022, the carrier claims its 3G coverage will be no more.

Keep in mind this doesn't just affect customers of those specific carriers.
MVNOs, which turn to the networks of larger carriers to provide their
wireless coverage, will lose access to 3G once the parent network shuts
it down. So if you're a customer of Cricket Wireless, you won't be able
to access AT&T's 3G network after it shuts down in February."

OLD PEOPLE:
<https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2021/phone-companies-ending-3g-service.html>
"Millions of people, including many older adults, still rely on phones
and other devices that tap into 3G, the third-generation networks that
debuted in 2002. The 4G networks that came after have been around
more than a decade.

The carriers are finally running out the clock on 3G, forcing consumers
with older devices to act before they lose cellphone service entirely,
including the ability to call 911."

OLD CARS:
<https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/16/3g-networks-shutting-down-in-2022-could-affect-your-cars-gps.html>
The 3G shutdown will affect dozens of vehicle models released anytime
between 2010 and 2021. Some cars will lose the ability to update your
location and traffic data while navigating. Others will become unable
to connect with your smartphone, voice assistants or emergency
call services.

If you're driving certain models from Honda, Nissan or Volvo,
you could be affected by AT&T's 3G shutdown."

BUSINESS CONCERNS:
<https://www.getgds.com/resources/blog/business-it/as-carriers-sunset-3g-networks-organizations-must-plan-to-replace-devices>
"Transportation and logistics companies use 3G devices for GPS tracking and
in-vehicle telemetry. While telematics devices purchased after 2018
generally have 4G LTE capabilities, tens of thousands of 3G devices are
still used for fleet connectivity, particularly in rural areas.

Utility companies use 3G-based devices to read "smart" water meters. Many
older mobile personal emergency response (mPERS) devices used by the elderly
and disabled use 3G for connectivity, as do some home security systems.

mPERS devices cost $150 or more, but in many industries the price of the
device is the smallest component of the overall upgrade. The labor involved
in replacing devices across far-flung industrial operations has a much
higher price tag. Some municipalities are struggling to find the budget to
replace or upgrade water meters that were installed only a few years ago."
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