Old Phone? Soon You Might Not Be Able To Call for Emergency Help
Partner, let me upgrade you. (Beyonce)
It might be time to go ahead and upgrade your phone.
This message is more so for the folks that are more than a couple of "generations" behind on the latest phones. And it's not about keeping up with the latest trends and spending cash to have the latest phones and features.
It's more about your old phones losing the ability do basic stuff.
Like calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Wait. What's this 2G and 3G you speak of?
It feels like having to explain a rotary or corded phone to people.
See, a long time ago phones had cords and you had to dial by spinning a wheel in a circle lol.
There are a fair amount of people (today) with older phones and when we say older, we mean they are still on 2G or 3G.
Yes, that was a thing and we had to have those before we got to 5G. Keep up with me folks.
Cell phone providers are phasing out 2G and 3G service next year.
That means older cell phones and medical alert devices won’t work.
Cell phone carriers are taking older 3G networks offline to make room for 5G upgrades.
This means older cell phones and medical alert devices that currently call 911, no longer will.
(WILX)
That part about medical alert devices is especially concerning because seniors and the vulnerable depend on those. Some folks have older phones as backup devices as well.
The Jackson County Department on Aging said its working with its seniors to let them know some devices won’t work so they’ll be able to call for help.
“Because they’re not going to have access to features anymore, especially dialing 911,” said Danielle Pequet, Jackson Co. Dept. on Aging director.
Pequet said many seniors have inactivated cell phones in their restrooms or on their walker in case of an emergency.
(WILX)
It is advised that people upgrade their phones and devices to AT LEAST 4G and to contact their providers for more information.
This change won't happen immediately but the changes could go into effect by the end of the year. Please plan ahead and take action as soon as you can.
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