Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department Some important information was brought our attention from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It is some important information about your mobile phones and devices. Changes in the technology will make some phones obsolete soon and they could even be incapable of dialing 911. I wanted to bring the FCC information to everyone and encourage you to reach out to your provider to determine what, if anything, you many need to do in your situation. As mobile carriers seek to upgrade their networks to use the latest technologies, they periodically shut down older services, to free up infrastructure to support new services. As a result, mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced services, including 5G. As a result of this shut down, many older cell phones, and other mobile devices, will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice). According to the FCC, the transition can impact many other industries and technologies, such as medical devices, home, and commercial, security systems, monitored fire alarms, personal emergency alert devices, and vehicle SOS systems, and other technologies. This process may begin as early as January 1, 2022, depending on your service provider. They recommend you consult your mobile provider or their website for the most up-to-date information. AT&T announced that it will finish shutting down its 3G network by February 2022. Verizon will be by December 31, 2022. T-Mobile / Sprint’s 3G can happen as soon as January 1, 2022. Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers, utilize AT&T’s, Verizon’s, and T-Mobile’s networks, so it is important to check with your provider. It is important to plan now so that you don’t lose connectivity, including the ability to call 911. Some carrier websites provide lists of devices that will no longer be supported after 3G networks are shut down. You may need to upgrade to a newer device, or possibly install a software update to enable VoLTE (HD Voice) or other advanced services, to ensure that you can stay connected. Some carriers may be offering discounted or free upgrades to help consumers. |
Visit the FCC website https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service for more information about the 3G phase out, suggested next steps for consumers, and resources to help stay connected.
As a reminder, our department is collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. New and unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Of certain need in the past were gifts for children between the ages of 10 – 17 years old. Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Dudley Police Association” with a special note for the Holiday Drive. All contributions are for Dudley families, and anything left over is given to local charities, such as Webster-Dudley Food Share. The Dudley Police thank everyone in advance for their continued generosity. Anything you can give will help bring some happiness to those who would otherwise go without during this holiday season. We continue to experience issues with our Facebook account, and we hope to have this corrected soon. On behalf of the Dudley Police Department, I wish everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, MA. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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