Amazon Announces Deactivation Of Old Kindle Due To Deprecated 3G Network

Kindle book reading application, with 3G network is no longer suitable for network conditions in the US. (photo: Perfcto Capucine/unsplash)

JAKARTA - Old Kindle devices that use 3G connectivity will lose access to the internet to download new content later this year. This is certainly not good news, for fans of the e-book reading application.

When Amazon first introduced the Kindle in 2007, the world of reading changed forever. In recent years many new Kindle models have appeared. But some older Kindles will lose internet access later this year.

As first reported by The Verge, Amazon has sent several Kindle owners in the US an email notification stating them that their device will soon lose internet access. Amazon explained that devices will lose internet access by the end of December this year.

Amazon only emails owners of some fairly old Kindle models or owners of original models. Only devices using 3G but not Wi-Fi will lose internet access.

Kindle book reading application with 3G network cannot be used online.

The email details that the shift occurred when mobile networks removed 2G and 3G networks, and switched completely to 4G and 5G. It's also worth noting that this change only applies to US mobile networks, and all Kindles in the US.

Only some Kindle devices will be affected by this change. First and second generation Kindles, and Kindle DX will all lose internet connection completely, as they rely solely on 3G connections.

Kindle Keyboard (3rd Gen), Kindle Touch (4th Gen), Kindle Paperwhite (5th, 6th, and 7th Gen), Kindle Voyage (7th Gen), and Kindle Oasis (7th Gen.) 8) will also lose cellular access, but will still be able to connect to Wi-Fi.

While Amazon doesn't list it, any Kindle model newer than that won't be affected, as it only requires a Wi-Fi connection.

In the email, Amazon explained that users can still access any content that is on their device. Keep in mind that users can still transfer books to their Kindle if they connect it to their computer.

Luckily, Amazon sent a $50 discount code in the email. Users can take advantage of the discount on the new Kindle Paperwhite or Oasis, and will also get an eBook credit worth US$15.

While Amazon explains that users will still be able to access content already on the affected Kindle, the device will lose most of its functionality.

Being able to access new books on a regular basis is part of what makes the Kindle such a useful device. When, can't do that, then Kindle is no more useful than an ordinary book.