Alert: Programmable Wireless T-Mobile 2G and 3G Shutdown
T-Mobile USA, Twilio’s connectivity partner for Programmable Wireless in the United States and one the networks available on Super SIM, is phasing out its 2G and 3G networks. All major US network operators are in the process of shutting down legacy 2G and 3G networks now that most new devices support LTE (4G) and 5G networks are being rolled out.
Update T-Mobile USA has confirmed that its 3G network will shut down on July 1, 2022
What this means
All Programmable Wireless SIMs activated* or reactivated† after August 4, 2020 will not be able to use T-Mobile’s US 2G or 3G networks. Programmable Wireless SIMs activated before that date can continue to use T-Mobile’s 2G and 3G networks until they are shut down. Super SIMs, including newly activated ones, can continue to use the T-Mobile 2G and 3G networks until they are shut down.
This issue does not affect 2G and 3G devices roaming outside the US using Programmable Wireless SIMs. LTE is not affected.
What you need to do
If your devices in the US are capable of connecting to the LTE network, no action is required: they should connect to LTE when 2G and 3G cease to be available.
If your devices in the US do not support LTE and depend on 2G or 3G, they will be impacted. Depending on when they were activated/reactivated, those devices will no longer be able to connect to T-Mobile on 3G after July 1, 2022, but will fall back to 2G. T-Mobile has not yet set a date for the shutdown of its 2G network.
If your devices in the US do not support LTE and depend on 3G, they will be impacted. Depending on when they were activated/reactivated, those devices will no longer be able to connect to T-Mobile after July 1, 2022.
We now recommend that you only deploy devices that support LTE in the US. Globally, you should expect ongoing 2G and 3G network shutdowns over time.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this change.
* Activation occurs when a Programmable Wireless SIM’s status is changed from new to either active or ready.
† Reactivation occurs when a Programmable Wireless SIM’s status is changed from deactivated to active.
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