UScellular, United States: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
UScellular switched off 2G in January 2024 and switched off 3G in January 2024, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in the United States.
2G and 3G status at UScellular
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | January 2024 | medium | sdxcentral.com, sec.gov UScellular never ran GSM; its 2G layer was CDMA 1X, switched off with its CDMA networks (announced date 14 Jan 2024). The FY2024 10-K confirms the CDMA network was decommissioned in Q1 2024 but calls it the 3G CDMA network. Wireless business sold to T-Mobile (10-K expected closing mid-2025). |
| 3G | Switched off | January 2024 | high | sec.gov, sdxcentral.com 3G CDMA network decommissioned in Q1 2024 per the FY2024 Form 10-K; the operator had announced switch-off on 14 Jan 2024. Wireless operations then sold to T-Mobile (sale pending at filing, expected mid-2025). |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on UScellular
- 2G devices no longer connect to UScellular. Trackers, alarms and meters that only speak GSM/GPRS need a 4G-based replacement, or a SIM that roams onto another network in the United States still running 2G.
- 3G fallback no longer works on UScellular. Devices built for 3G (UMTS) or that fall back to it lose service; 4G devices with 2G fallback are not affected by this closure.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in the United States: no law we found restricts permanent roaming; mobile operators set the terms. Details on the United States page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in the United States
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Switched off, 1 January 2017 | Switched off, 22 February 2022 |
| T-Mobile | Switched off, 3 August 2026 | Switched off, July 2022 |
| Verizon | Switched off, 31 December 2022 | Switched off, 31 December 2022 |
All operators and both rules for the United States: IoT connectivity in the United States. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When did UScellular switch off 2G in the United States?
UScellular switched off its 2G network in January 2024. UScellular never ran GSM; its 2G layer was CDMA 1X, switched off with its CDMA networks (announced date 14 Jan 2024). The FY2024 10-K confirms the CDMA network was decommissioned in Q1 2024 but calls it the 3G CDMA network. Wireless business sold to T-Mobile (10-K expected closing mid-2025).
When did UScellular switch off 3G in the United States?
UScellular switched off its 3G network in January 2024. 3G CDMA network decommissioned in Q1 2024 per the FY2024 Form 10-K; the operator had announced switch-off on 14 Jan 2024. Wireless operations then sold to T-Mobile (sale pending at filing, expected mid-2025).