AT&T will decommission our 3G (UMTS and HSPA) networks on February 22, 2022. While this action will cause all 3G only devices to stop operating, it will also impact some LTE capable devices.
Why are LTE Devices Impacted?
- When a device attaches to the network it will indicate 'voice centric' or 'data centric'. Any device declaring 'voice centric' will also indicate its voice domain preference as either CS Voice, IMS PS Voice, or a combination of the two.
- Because CS Voice is delivered over the 3G network, it will not be available after the 3G Sunset.
- Devices indicating 'voice centric' and CS Voice will determine the network is not suitable and will search for other networks. This will lead to a loss of service.
- Devices indicating 'voice centric' and IMS PS Voice must be subscribed to VoLTE/IMS voice services. Otherwise, the device will determine the network is not suitable and will search for other networks. This will lead to a loss of service.
- Devices that indicate 'data centric' (i.e. – CS/PS mode 2) are not susceptible to this potential loss of service and can support voice services if they support VoLTE/IMS.
- Be aware that some devices and modules, even though certified as data only, may still be configured for 'voice centric' operation.
The following devices will lose service:
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- Any device that does not support the LTE Radio Access Technology (RAT).
- Any device using an incorrectly configured data/voice module (i.e., 'voice centric' module inside a data only device).
- Any device reliant on voice services, and does not support VoLTE, will need to be replaced.
- Any device that supports VoLTE, but is not provisioned in their Communications Plan for IMS services.
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What to do:
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DATA ONLY
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DATA ONLY DEVICE: Visit our certified modules page. Look in the Modules tab to see if your chosen module is Data/Voice capable. If it is then you might be affected. In order to maintain service your device needs a persistent IMS registration. If this IMS registration is lost then you will lose service.
You have a couple of solutions listed below. Both options require a maintenance release from AT&T and the second option additionally requires use of a dedicated IMEI TAC.
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Change to a Data only module. Consult the link above to find a Data only module. |
| Option 2. |
Check with your module provider if your device can be reconfigured to 'data centric' AND all voice and IMS services disabled. This is normally accomplished using a firmware update from your module provider or AT commands. |
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VOICE & DATA
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VOICE AND DATA DEVICE: It is highly likely that you are already using a Data/Voice capable module. In this situation you need to make sure your module supports VoLTE and that the IMS registration persists throughout the product's lifecycle.
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