Posted on 03/04/2022 12:58:29 PM PST by Leaning Right
About three months ago my cell phone carrier (Tracfone) started sending me emails warning me that my 3G cell phone would soon stop working. Being the suspicious type, I thought this was probably just a gimmick to make me buy a new phone. Well, today I tried to use my cell phone and got a “service is no longer available” message.
There still is news that does report things.
You could have easily confirmed this.
You should be able to get a new phone at the same monthly rate.
Go on ebay and get an older gen 4g phone.
That’s what I did.
Yep...might also include some OnStar equipped vehicles too.
I upgraded my wife’s and my phone in November in preparation for it. We are not habitual phone upgraders, but this time we jumped on a deal to trade in our old phones for 5G ones.
> There still is news that does report things. <
True that, except that I trust no news source these days. My default position is that I am being lied to, or am the target of over-exaggeration.
I guess you can say that I’m a cheerful cynic.
It has been common knowledge for months now.
Sorry you were caught surprised, but you were being warned and a simple call to your carrier or a search that 3g was being phased out would have been helpful
Yup—it is happening.
They bluffed for a couple of years—so many of us had trouble believing they were really going to do it.
Your right, my mother has/had a Tracphone. Watched her charge it two days ago ago and this morning it was dead. Did not pay much attention until I read your post. Looked at the phone and there is no service. This is a good thing, I can finally get her a real phone.
I called Verizon about the issue, and they said the only way I'd get rid of the icon, and the problem it created, was to get a smartphone, which I didn't really want to do. I did end up getting the cheapest iPhone they had at the time, and still use it. The problem with smart phones is that they have lousy connectivity. At least this one does. I went from 4 bars with my 3G phone, to 1 or 2 bars with the iPhone, and my calls were always dropping. I called Verizon about the issue, and because I had been a long-time customer with them, they sent me a network booster for free, so at least I now have 4 bars when I'm home. I only use the phone for calls and the occasional text message anyway, so it sits and gathers dust most of the time. I keep it, because at 74, I want to make sure I have a phone with me when I leave the home, just in case of an emergency.
When you got the emails…did you consider doing a two minute search? Not every company is trying to screw ya. Some of them like your business and want to keep you happy.
Also too bad. I always get a much stronger signal with 3G than 4G.
Free is good. Same number, same basic plan - just upgrade for 5G.
I leave it in my truck's glove box anyway - I rarely carry it on me. I'm not an addict.
Yep, I got letters from Audi saying the same thing. That if you’ve got a 3G device from AT&T, your phone and Nav features in the car will no longer work.
3G is practically useless. I can’t imagine needing that to work.
yes, its affecting GPS and similar services on some “older” cars as well.
Companies don’t lie when they inform you they are no longer supporting one of their products.
I got a Redpocket annual plan with 1000 minutes a month, unlimited text and 1g of data for $84.00.
I was paying Verizon $84.00 a month.
It was easy to switch and I took my number with me which was important to me as I have had it since my first bag phone.
I am tech challenged and it was not hard to switch.
They send you whatever network card you want (ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile).
I needed to switch to ATT network for coverage in the mountains where Verizon network has none.
Wondering when this new fangled digital television is going to kick in. I might have to get one of those conversion boxes the government is pushing for the Magnavox.
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