Phasing out 3G service...
Technology moves forward. Maybe you remember when FM radio was broadcast entirely on an analog signal. Then stations added a digital band of information was simulcast along with the digital signal. The FCC changed all that and stations are fully digital sending streams of digitally encoded signals. The same thing happened with TV. If you were receiving broadcasts from an antenna on an old TV set, you had to add a digital receiver to convert the new digital signals.The purpose for that was to send more data over the same bandwidth. Effectively adding more stations on the same channel.
Cell phone services are all switching to 5G, but the majority of customers are still using 4G. Surprising there is a small percentage of devices that can only work on a 3G signal.
If you are using an old style flip-phone, chances are it's on 3G. Lots of communication devices like tablets require 3G service.
Depending on your carrier, some of the major companies will be phasing out 3G. That change affects many old-style life-alert systems and discount carrier cellphones used only for 911. Unless they upgrade, they will be totally useless.
I'm reading the phase-out could happen as early as the first quarter 2022.
Comments (21)
So there may be a need there too. I hope so as my nokia from 2005 is on 3G.
Mind you, I'm ready to ditch the whole phone if need be.
Hopefully that will only be in Si-FY movies.
No batteries so it never needs charging.
Dropped calls had a whole different meaning.
But, the ones that come in clearly have a higher resolution that the signal coming through cable.
They say , it's about developing the technology .. I think , it's more about developing the product sellers bank ballance ...
But , what will happened to the new models launched every year then !! If the old models will be enough for the customer for long term , then why would they waste their hard earned money upon new models every years !!
That's why these new strategies are developed by the big techs to push consumers more and more to invest into unnecessary products , by hook or crook ..
It's never about providing best service to the consumers , it's always about providing best market to the businessmen ...
I used to change the battery in my older phones every 18 to 24 months and keep going until they needed service. My insurance allowed exchanges on refurbished phones for $5.
At some point it became difficult to replace as there was a shortage of replacement parts.
I purchased new probably 4 years ago and the phone that could go 2 days without charging is only 1/2 a day under heavy use. New phones are water resistant and the user cannot (easily) change the battery. I'm waiting for a deal to buy a new phone.
The problem with the world is companies and governments who think the end all be all of humans on earth is to consume. BUY BUY BUY. And when we refuse, they make stuff to break or pump people up that if you dont have the newest and greatest, you are a loser.
Everytime we buy new we put cash in some rich peoples pockets who laugh their way to the bank.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
A refurbished 5 year old iPhone 8 does 2G, 3G, 4G for around $250.
As used deals grow scarce so do the parts to repair them.
The new iPhone 13 does 4G, 5G and it's available for $800
Other 'basic' 5G phones are available.
T-Mobile has a REVVL V+ 5G going for $200.
Many places will drop the price of the phone if you sign up with their service.
I text my renters or boarder when needing an answer to something which is nice cause I can avoid talking to them. When desperate. I will buy a new flip phone that does 4g.