More 2G and 3G shutdowns loom in the U.S.

UScellular and Cellcom recently set dates to shutter their aging wireless networks. The smaller network operators are following in the footsteps of their bigger, nationwide rivals, which are making similar moves.

On its website, UScellular said it would shutter its 3G CDMA network on January 14, 2024.

“Major wireless carriers have already shut down their 3G CDMA networks and you’re likely starting to notice the effects on your older devices. When we shut down our network, 3G devices will lose service completely,” the operator reported on the site. “We are committed to supporting our customers and are ready and available to assist you through this transition. To keep you connected, we’re offering big discounts on 4G/5G devices.”

UScellular CEO Laurent Therivel said there are fewer than 42,000 customers left on that network, down from 386,000 around 18 months ago.

“We believe we’re going to continue to see more customers migrate over the next several months,” he said during UScellular’s recent quarterly conference call, according to Seeking Alpha. “We intend to reform that spectrum to support our LTE network. And we expect to see additional systems operation savings once that CDMA network is fully shut down in 2024.”

Like Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, UScellular said it would shut down its aging 3G network in order to put more resources – including spectrum – toward its 4G and 5G networks. Indeed, UScellular is in the process of adding valuable midband spectrum to its 5G network.

UScellular operates a wireless network across around 21 states and counts around 5 million mobile customers. It recently announced it is for sale, though it’s not clear whether there are any buyers.

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