Some Rhode Islanders Could Lose 911 Access In 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI — Some Rhode Islanders may lose access to cell phone service, including emergency calls, starting next year. State police encouraged residents with older phones to check in with their provider to make sure they won't lose service with the start of 3G phaseouts.

Starting Jan. 1, mobile service providers will begin shutting down 3G networks to accommodate newer, more advanced services, the department explained. As that happens, many older cell phones will no longer work, including emergency calls.

"We want to make sure that all Rhode Islanders are aware that the 3G phaseout will impact their ability to call 911," State Police Col. James Manni said. "If you have an older mobile phone, you may need to upgrade your device to ensure that you have coverage and access to 911."

The changes will affect 3G mobile phones, as well as certain older 4G phones that do not support Voice over LTE, also known as VoLTE or HD Voice. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the three top carriers are set to complete the phaseout on the following schedule:

• AT&T: by February 2022
• Verizon: by Dec. 31, 2022
• T-Mobile: Sprint's 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022 and 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022; T-Mobile's 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022.

Call your cell phone service provider if you're unsure if your phone is affected by the phaseout.