14 DAY TRIAL // Verizon has changed its activation process to block devices that do not support 4G networks with VoLTE, pretty much pulling the plug on a significant number of mobile phones, including older iPhones.
Technically, Verizon says that it no longer allows activation of 3G devices in its network as it begins the migration off the 3G CDMA network. The carrier supports 4G LTE adoption and prepares for 5G networks.
In a statement for CNET, Verizon explains that devices using 3G would continue to work on its network until the end of 2019, but starting with 2020, 4G would become a must-have.
“For several years we’ve been publicly saying that our 3G CDMA network will remain available through the end of 2019. Virtually all traffic on our network is on our 4G LTE network,” the company said.
“To facilitate a smooth transition to 4G LTE capable products and services, we are no longer allowing devices that are not 4G LTE capable with VoLTE to be activated on our network.”
Impacted iPhones
With this move, Verizon pulls the plug on several iPhone models still in use, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, and iPhone 5s. iPhone 5 does feature 4G, but not VoLTE.
On the other hand, this shouldn’t represent a major hit for new-device buyers, as older iPhones are no longer on sale anyway. Most of the purchases these days are for iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X, which all meet Verizon’s network requirements.
But at the same time, a little worrying would be the demise of the iPhone 5s, which continues to be surprisingly popular with Apple customers. This is mostly because of its smaller screen, as the iPhone 6 and newer use bigger 4.7-inch displays on the standard versions.
This change could eventually help boost sales of Apple’s iPhone SE with a 4-inch display, as many of the owners of older iPhones could decide to upgrade without going for a bigger screen.