Usually when companies make major changes to their services, a little anticipation is a good thing. Unfortunately, when AT&T recently started sending emails telling customers that their phones would no longer work on their network when AT&T eliminates support for 3G, the operator I forgot to include an important detail: your 3G network support is not slated to disappear until sometime in 2022.
Unfortunately, this meant that anyone who received the email that unfamiliar with the AT&T network roadmap (which is probably the majority of people), he was suddenly faced with the threat that your device may lose service, and your only recourse is to quickly buy a new phone.
Even at best, being told that you need to spend hundreds of dollars to replace what appears to be a fully working phone is very annoying. But when that type of email reaches your inbox during a pandemic, a time when most people’s budgets have already been cut, so it might seem like the company is callous and greedy.
Based on screenshots sent to Android PoliceAT&T email started with a big capitalized “Update Needed” heading, before explaining that with AT&T currently focused on building their 5G network, would be reducing support for 3G, which means that older devices would lose cellular connectivity. But nowhere in the AT&T email did it mention that such a change would not occur until 2022, which is 18 full months away. It’s more than enough time for a significant number of customers to naturally update their phones without feeling pressured, assuming they have enough information to make an informed decision.
That said, to AT&T credit, after Gizmodo reached out to the company to comment on their email, an AT&T spokesperson responded with an official statement saying:
“This email was one of many planned to keep customers informed about the closure of our 3G network in early 2022. It should have included the date that certain devices would no longer be compatible. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and will become clearer in future updates. “
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Meanwhile, for AT&T customers concerned about older devices losing wireless service in 2022, what they need to know going forward, AT&T plans to consolidate its network around 4G and 5G, and use part of the spectrum currently dedicated to 3G to help strengthen its 4G / 5G coverage.
That means for a device to have full support on the future AT&T network, it must be 4G ready and have support for AT & T’s HD Voice protocol. Where things get difficult is that the user who sent the screenshot claims that they are currently using a Galaxy S10e, which launched recently in the spring of 2019 and was even available directly from AT&T.
However, sometimes for users using unlocked devices or bringing their phones to a new network from a previous provider, AT & T’s HD Voice protocol may not be activated or whitelisted, which could cause problems for customers. when AT&T begins to phase out support for its 3G Network.
Still, 2022 is a long way off, so while it’s important to know what AT&T has in store for your network, it’s too early to start panicking. And hopefully next time, AT&T will be a little clearer when it sends an important alert.
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