Grandma, mom, and maybe even you…..

Hope you had a great 4th of July.

I am sending this blast out as a public service announcement to ATT cellular customers.  This message extends beyond customers that pay a monthly bill to ATT.   Keep in mind, if you use AARP’s preferred provider – Consumer Cellular – you are on the ATT network.   If you use TracFone or Straight Talk, you MAY be on the ATT network.  

You may have a loved one, family member, or someone in your care who could benefit from this message.  It may even apply to you.

ATT is shutting down their 2G network (known as GSM) at the end of this year.  ATT will be using their 3G and 4G (known as 4G LTE) technologies for calling from that point forward.  This should not be a surprise.  ATT has been rolling out 3G since 2007, to the best of my recollection.  4G LTE is a newer technology that has been built out for the past 4 to 5 years.  

2G only phones will be inoperable after the cut off date.   Generally speaking, there is a significant chance that this could be a problem if the phone being used is more than 5 years old.   Newer ATT phones should support 3G, if not 4G as well.   A couple of my clients and I have checked out their phone and everything seemed to be in order.  

If you use a flip phone or very basic phone and you are on the ATT network  it would be worth Googling the “specs” for your phone to make sure 3G is supported.   In your search results, you will likely find website called GSM Arena.  This site is known for listing detailed specifications on almost every phone ever produced.  It is a great resource.   You can also check with the company providing your service or the store where you buy your phones.    All ATT smartphones sold as new within the past 5 years will certainly support 3G.