Out with the old and — hopefully — in with the new.

At least for cellular service in 2022.

Each of the four major carriers — Verizon, At&T, Sprint and T-Mobile will shut down their 3G networks at some point this year.

It leaves consumers with older cell phones and potentially other devices in need of an upgrade.

Those shutdowns will impact Warren County.

“The elimination of 3G service is something that’s happening nationwide. Major wireless carriers have announced their service deadlines,” Kale Asp, Warren County deputy director for 911, explained.

Depending on your provider, that upgrade could be needed quite soon.

AT&T will sunset its 3G network next month. Sprint will follow at the end of March. T-Mobile’s 3G will shutdown on July one with Verizon to follow on Dec. 31. Those dates came from the respective company’s websites.

“With so many other technologies driven from wireless service – it’s best to double check things like wireless hotspots working from cellular technology,” Asp explained. “To see if you are affected, you can log into your account online or give your wireless provider(s) a call directly – if they haven’t already let you know.

“Another good idea is to check your vehicle’s automatic crash notification service — if it is so equipped, as these services can operate on 3G networks as well.”

Jeffrey Boyle, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s deputy director of 911, said it is “really the intent” to see more 4G and 5G rolling out in the wake of shutting down 3G. He noted that this shutdown process also occurred with 2G service and is a way to free up infrastructure to support new cellular technologies.

“There are several areas I have only seen 3G,” Warren County Public Safety Director Ken McCorrison said. “I have seen 5G popping up in the last few weeks.”

PEMA says most users of these services will be notified directly by the carriers if this discontinuation affects them. However, users of older phones that are used only for 911 connectivity may not receive the notification if they do not have active service with a carrier.

Many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services once the network is discontinued, according to PEMA, who explained in a statement that this may also affect other devices that rely on 3G connectivity, such as medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems, and in-vehicle safety, security, and roadside assistance systems.