In addition to Lifeline, the federal government funds a program called High Cost to the tune of $4.5 billion annually. “Information often occurs through community-based organizations or other social service entities, and that's how a lot of word has spread.” “Some people find out because sometimes the carrier tells them that it's there,” Siefer said. Siefert said these are underutilized benefits. The Affordable Connectivity Act goes even further, providing a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The Lifeline program provides a discount of about $10 a month on wireless and internet service to consumers who qualify. Siefer pointed to financial support for consumers who may not be able to afford new devices as well as higher cellular phone bills.
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“The lower one's income, the more likely a household is to rely upon a mobile phone, as their only source of internet service or other public free Wifi solutions.” “We know that the lower one's income, the less likely one is to have home broadband service,” Siefer said. Historically, Siefer said, wireless providers have rolled out new services and technology in communities where consumers can afford to upgrade, largely leaving rural communities and low-income consumers out. “Because the digital divide is not just an issue of availability of broadband services it’s an issue of affordability, digital literacy and the appropriate devices.” “5G will not bridge the digital divide,” she said. While the leading wireless providers like Verizon tout 5G as a solution to bridging the digital divide, so far that hasn’t proven true, according to Angela Siefer, executive director, of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. KCUR 89.3 The nation's leading wireless providers, like T-Mobile and Spring, will phase-out 3G service by the end of 2022.
“We know that for a fact that millions of people are relying on outmoded devices and we're sure that some people in America are not going to know about this transition and they're going to open up their phone or hit their alarm button and it's not going to work,” Kamber said. Kamber says obsolete technology can leave consumers open to security breaches, and that now is as good a time as any to ask providers whether devices you rely on are using 3G technology. For help navigating new technology, visit SeniorPlanet.og from AARP.
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“And after three or four years that software and an old device tends to be obsolete and that puts you at risk for breakdowns in the device for problems that it does everything it's supposed to do.” “One of the things that we've learned over the years is, many seniors tend to hang on to their technology devices a little bit too long,” said Tom Kamber, OATS founder and executive director. Medical devices and medical alert bracelets.Mobile phones from 2012 or earlier (including flip phones, pre-2012 smartphones).OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), an AARP affiliate that help seniors learn and use technology, is advising all Americans that the phase-out of 3G could affect: That means older cell phones that use 3G won’t be able to receive calls or texts –including to 911 – or use data services, according to the FCC. The shutdowns begin in February with AT&T and will wrap up by the end of the year. Mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon are shutting down their 3G networks due to the network relying on old technology and a need for more frequency space that is being taken up by old cellular devices. The improvements will be most noticeable during crowded events like concerts or sporting events, Choi said.Īs 5G’s implementation nears completion, deadlines for Americans who are still using devices that rely on 3G networks are looming. While 5G has been available to customers of cellular providers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile for more than a year, the new C-band networks set to go live Wednesday are expected to further improve the speed and availability of the network. “You’re looking at more than 100 million people in 1,700 cities across the country that will have access to Version’s Ultra Wideband network.” “This is the second wave of the 5G era,” Andy Choi, a communication manager with Verizon, said. According to the FCC, 5G provides faster service, fewer delays and a larger capacity for users.