Carol Johnson
Dallas County Public Administrator Past MAPA President 2018-2020
P.O. Box 1497
Buffalo, MO 65622
Office: 417-345-5899
Fax: 417-345-5898
CELL: 417-326-9962
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: NCLER <ncler@xxxxxxxxxxx>To: Carol
Johnson <dallascopubad@xxxxxxxxx>Sent: Friday, November 19, 2021, 12:52:40 PM
CSTSubject: Helping Older Adults Prepare for 3G Network Shutdowns
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Helping Older Adults Prepare for
3G Network Shutdowns
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3G wireless networks are scheduled to shut down next year, which will prevent
older cell phones that utilize these networks from making or receiving calls or
using data services. In addition to cell phones, other connected devices such
as certain medical devices, alert systems, and security systems that use 3G
network services will be impacted.
Although most people have devices on 4G or 5G networks, the shutdown will
likely disproportionately impact older adults and low-income individuals, who
may be using older phones, life alert systems, and other devices still on 3G.
Connectivity is critically important in this time when people are utilizing
telehealth services and connecting with the courts and service providers
remotely.
Advocates can take steps to help people prepare for the 3G network shutdown:
- Share information in your community and with your clients on the upcoming
shutdown. Some people may not be aware of the upcoming change, and others may
not have taken steps to replace items if they were avoiding contact with
technicians and service providers during the pandemic. Each mobile carrier has
different dates for the planned shutdown, with AT&T scheduled as early as
February 2022. The Federal Communications Commission has a consumer guide with
more details.
- Help clients identify potential devices that may be impacted. Lifeline, a
program used by many older adults, utilizes major service providers like AT&T
and T-Mobile, which are included in the shutdown. iPhones older than the iPhone
6 will no longer work for calls and data. Medical alert devices, watches, and
home security systems that utilize 3G may also be impacted. Advocates can
assist by helping individuals log into their accounts to check whether they use
3G. Consumers can also contact the individual carriers and reach out to product
companies to determine if their device will be affected.
- Connect people to new options for discounted devices if they need to
replace them. For people with limited resources, this change could present
challenges if they have to spend money on new products. Some carriers are
offering free or discounted replacement phones. Older adults and low-income
individuals may qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which could help
them get discounted, updated devices. The local Area Agency on Aging may have a
program for device distribution, and many libraries have technology lending
programs, which could help keep people connected.
Advocates play an important role in outreach and education, particularly to
communities who may be most impacted by this change, including older adults of
color, those living in rural areas, and other marginalized groups.
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Explore Our Website!
Visit our website, which features tools to help you access the information
you need to serve older adults in your community. |
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Request a Free Case Consultation
Case consultation assistance is available for attorneys and professionals
seeking more information to help older adults. Contact NCLER at
ConsultNCLER@xxxxxxxxxxx.
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