3G / HSPA Network Service Discontinuation
Starting in February 2022, U.S. carriers will begin phasing out their 3G wireless network service in the U.S (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Here are the latest updates on Bell’s roaming partners’ 3G / HSPA network discontinuance:
- AT&T has officially announced that its 3G / HSPA network service will be discontinued February 2022
- T-Mobile has officially announced that its 3G / HSPA network service will be discontinued as of July 2022
The discontinuation of service will impact Solo Mobile customers who are travelling in the U.S. and using devices that do not support 4G LTE data and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming for voice services.
For questions regarding the 3G / HSPA service discontinuation in the U.S. or to upgrade your device:
- Customers on a monthly plan: Visit bell.ca/devices or a Bell dealer. You can also contact Customer Service at 1-877-999-SOLO (7656).
FAQ
Will the US 3G / HSPA network discontinuance affect my service in Canada?
No. Coverage on the Solo network is not impacted by the US 3G / HSPA network discontinuance. Your phone can still be used as normal when in Canada.
What is a 3G / HSPA wireless network?
3G / HSPA refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows devices to connect to the internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G / HSPA was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G LTE and, most recently, by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G.
What is Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Roaming?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the next generation of voice calling which enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service.
VoLTE capable smartphones will enable you to make and receive calls when in a 4G LTE coverage area.
Visit VoLTE U.S. Roaming for further details.
If you have an older 4G LTE device you may need to update your device software. Click here for more details on the latest software your device supports and how to download if required
How will my service be impacted once AT&T and T-Mobile discontinues their 3G / HSPA network in the U.S?
As a Solo Mobile customer travelling to the U.S. your device must be able to support 4G LTE data, as well as, be able to support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and VoLTE roaming in order for voice calls to continue to be supported in the U.S. after the 3G / HSPA service discontinuation dates.
If your device only supports 3G / HSPA network access, you will not be able to use voice services (including 9-1-1), connect to the internet, or use mobile data services on AT&T and T-Mobile networks once their 3G / HSPA network services are discontinued.
In addition, if you have a 4G LTE device, you will also be impacted, as you will not be able to use voice services in these areas. Data services will still be accessible when in a 4G LTE network area on AT&T or T-Mobile.
Based on my device type, what services are impacted by the service discontinuation for AT&T as of February 2022 and when T-Mobile eventually discontinues their 3G / HSPA network?
3G / HSPA Only
Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and data services will no longer continue to be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile starting as of the dates above.
Validate if your device is a 3G / HSPA only impacted device.
4G LTE
Voice services (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) will no longer continue to be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile starting as of the dates above.
Data services (e.g. connecting to the internet, using mobile apps and email) will continue to be supported when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile (standard roaming data charges apply)
Validate if your device a 4G LTE impacted device.
4G LTE (with VoLTE roaming capability)
No impact on data services or voice calling when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile. (Standard roaming charges apply)
What do I need to do in order to ensure I am able to access VoLTE on my VoLTE roaming compatible device?
Some devices will default automatically to having the 4G LTE and VoLTE service selected; however, on other devices you may need to ensure that the 4G LTE and VoLTE service are set to on.
For details on how to check the settings on your device to ensure both 4G LTE and VoLTE service are turned on, visit Enabling VoLTE on your phone.
How can I determine if I am on AT&T or T-Mobile’s 3G / HSPA network when roaming?
Near the battery icon on the display on the device there will be a 3G / HSPA network identifier.
How can I tell if I have a 3G / HSPA only device or a 4G LTE device that supports VoLTE?
Solo Mobile 4G LTE devices do not support VoLTE or VoLTE Roaming.
To continue roaming in the United States, it is recommended that you switch to a VoLTE roaming compatible device with Bell Mobility.
Will I still be able to make / receive voice calls while roaming in the U.S. on AT&T and T-Mobile after they discontinue their 3G/ HSPA network?
Voice calls will be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network on Bell Mobility devices that support both VoLTE and VoLTE roaming.
To continue roaming in the United States, it is recommended that you switch to a VoLTE roaming compatible device with Bell Mobility.
Visit VoLTE US Roaming for supported devices.
Will I still be able to make emergency calls to 9-1-1 while roaming in the U.S. once AT&T and T-Mobile have discontinued their 3G / HSPA network?
Emergency calls to 9-1-1 will no longer be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile after the 3G / HSPA service discontinuation dates.
What should I do if my device is no longer supported on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 3G / HSPA network in the U.S?
In order to continue using your device for voice services when travelling in the U.S. on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, you will need a Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming compatible device.
Visit VoLTE US Roaming for more details on VoLTE roaming compatible devices.
Visit bell.ca/devices for more details on device availability.
Will I still be able to use my device and connect to Wi-Fi when travelling in the U.S. even though my device is no longer supported on AT&T and T-Mobile 3G / HSPA networks?
The AT&T and T-Mobile 3G/HSPA network service discontinuation should not impact your ability to use your device’s Wi-Fi capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi network.