AT&T suspends 3G network and offers free entry-level 4G LTE smartphones

According to Zhongguancun Online, US telecommunications operator AT&T has announced on Tuesday that it will permanently stop using its 3G network, which means that many old devices will no longer be able to get services. At the same time, AT&T has also listed a list of old devices that can continue to be used after February 22, including Apple iPhone 6 series, Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, and Google Pixel 2.

Of course, if the device used by the consumer is not on the list, just visit acceptfreephone.att.com and enter the phone number to receive a supported 4G LTE smartphone for free. It is reported that this 4G LTE free smartphone is the Radiant Core produced in 2019. The specific configuration is 480p screen, 1GB RAM + 16GB ROM, front 2MP/rear 5MP camera, built-in 2500 mAh battery, and pre-installed Android P (Go version) mobile operating system.

The 10-year special edition of Ericsson's Mobility Report released earlier stated that by the end of 2027, 5G will cover about 75% of the world's population, and 5G is expected to become the fastest deployed mobile technology in history. At the same time, network sunsets will become a reality.

The report points out that with the continued expansion of 4G and 5G networks around the world, "decommissioning" (i.e. 2G/3G) has become unstoppable. Releasing more 4G and 5G frequency bands can further enhance the network. Domestically, according to statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as of mid-2020, there were still 273 million 2G users in the country, accounting for 17.15% of the total number of mobile phone users.

In May 2020, the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially issued the "Notice on Deeply Promoting the Comprehensive Development of Mobile Internet of Things" (Document No. 25), which clearly proposed "promoting the migration and transfer of 2G/3G Internet of Things services" at the beginning of the notice. In November 2021, the "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Information and Communication Industry" issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology clearly proposed "accelerating the withdrawal of 2G and 3G networks and coordinating the coordinated development of 4G and 5G networks", and included the withdrawal of 2G/3G networks in the key tasks of network infrastructure during the "14th Five-Year Plan".