It looks like Verizon has begun phasing out 3G. In New York City and nine other metropolitan areas, bandwidth that was originally reserved for 3G is now being used for 4G-LTE. The new 4G layer was originally reported on by GigaOm and confirmed to NBC News by a Verizon spokesperson. People with older phones don't have to upgrade ... yet. A Verizon spokesperson told NBC News that the company will "support our 3G network through the end of the decade, and we will support our customers through the transition." After the iPhone 5 was released with 4G connectivity in 2012, the decline of slower 3G seemed inevitable. Verizon launched its 4G network in 2010. While there are plenty of people who use 3G devices, most new phones and tablets released by major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are configured to work on a 4G network.
IN-DEPTH
- Verizon Cancels Plan to Throttle Heavy 4G Data Users
- No Signal? No Problem. GoTenna Lets Phones Connect Off The Grid
- Verizon Starts Killing Off 3G Networks to Make Room for LTE (GigaOm)