3G, the 20-year-old wireless network standard, is shutting down in 2022. That means service for older Kindles, early iPads and Chromebooks (Classic) won’t be able to connect to the data networks anymore. It’s not an electricity thing, but it is going to be a thing for people who haven’t upgraded their flip-phones or other devices.

Wireless providers will enact this change at different times. AT&T is first in line, followed by T-Mobile in the summer of 2022 and Verizon by December 2022.

If you installed your home alarm years ago, it could be affected. So can your ankle bracelet, but we’re not expecting that group to be reading blogs so much.

USA Today reports that an estimated 1.5 million customers still need to upgrade their fire or burglar alarms, while about half a million have medical alert devices that run on 3G. AARP reports that Medical Alert necklaces and bracelets (i.e. Life Alert) may fail if they were a pre-2018 purchase.

The pervasive change makes one consider what other types of networks and infrastructure, particularly in one’s residence, might require updating.

State Farm Insurance reports that more than half of home electrical fires are caused by wiring problems. The US Fire Administration estimates fire departments respond to 24,200 home electrical fires each year.

If your home was built 40+ years ago, you’re at more risk than someone residing in a newer-build residence. Yes, forty-year-old wiring is twice the age of 3G. But it should be as concerning as having to upgrade your cell phone.

If your home suffers from any of the following, you need an electrician:

• Frequent tripped breakers and blown fuses
• Dimming or flickering lights
• Buzzing sounds when lights are turned on
• Burning smell (run, don’t walk to the nearest exit)
• Shock when you plug in a cord
• Aluminum wiring
• Insufficient number of outlets in your home requiring extension cords to handle today’s exponentially increased use of electric devices.

A good number of DIYers or bad electricians may have replaced your outlets but not the wiring serving the outlets. Lipstick on the pig (new outlet cover or switch) on bad wiring, doesn’t fix the problem.

I have my great grandmother’s spinning wheel, circa 1860, stored in a closet. I imagine if I found a sheep, sheared the sheep and started spinning, I’d have yard I could knit into a sweater or mittens. The spinning wheel still works as primitive as it might be. The point is there have not been upgrades to spinning wheels like 5G and aluminum wiring. It’s annoying to have to replace any functioning device when you don’t have the interest or budget.

Unless it’s electricity. And that can be life saving.

So get on that new 5G phone and call Allstar today.