MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- The National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) is issuing a warning regarding older cell phones.

With the retirement of 3G networks and support of phones using 3G service, some phones may no longer work in early 2022.

“It is vitally important that the public be aware that national 3G networks will no longer work sometime early next year. These networks support older phones and devices that won’t work after the 3G network goes away” said Harriet Rennie-Brown, Executive Director of NASNA.

The nation’s three major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) have each announced that they plan on discontinuing 3G service in favor of 4G (LTE) and 5G service next year.

According to the FCC’s website, AT&T will discontinue service in February, T-Mobile/Sprint will discontinue service between March and July, and Verizon will discontinue service at the end of 2022.

Most users of these services will be notified directly by the carriers if this discontinuation affects them.

However, users of older phones used for 9-1-1 only purposes may not be notified if they do not have active service with the provider.

It has long been the practice of some organizations for the homeless or domestic violence shelters to provide clients with older phones with no service, since those phones could still be used to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Users of those older 9-1-1 only phones should be aware that they may not work after 3G service is discontinued.

Low income individuals who are concerned that their 9-1-1 only phones may no longer be supported should consider applying for service through the federal Lifeline Program.