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New York, NY—The Jewelers Security Alliance has a special warning for jewelers: 3G cellular technology, a popular transmission path for many jewelers’ alarm systems, is being phased out. Image: A T-Mobile 4G LTE tower.

Cellular carriers such as AT&T and Verizon will begin shutting down 3G cellular networks beginning in February 2022, with all 3G networks shut down by the end of 2022. These will be replaced by 4G LTE at the very least. 

Presently, all 3G networks are up and operational, but jewelers should verify with their alarm company if their system requires an upgrade, and if so, when it will occur. Some alarm companies will be overwhelmed by last minute requests and installations, and supply chain issues may slow the delivery of equipment, so it is wise to contact your alarm company now, says JSA president John Kennedy. 

For jewelers who do not get an upgrade before 3G ends, the result could be that they could have degraded—or no—alarm protection in the face of the many burglary gangs that have been attacking jewelry firms.