AT&T to shut down its 3G network on February 22, here is everything you need to know

It gets pretty confusing for Android users

However, if you’re using an Android smartphone, you absolutely must check out the massive list of phones that remain compatible with AT&T’s network after February 22. The list also includes tablets and smartwatches that can be used on the carrier’s network, as well as devices that may require a software update to enable HD voice, Wi-Fi Calling, Video Call, Advanced Messaging or 5G services.Once AT&T shuts down its 3G network, only phones and devices that support at least 4G LTE and HD Voice will work on the carrier’s network. If your phone is not on the supported list, you might want to upgrade your phone online or simply make an appointment at one of AT&T’s stores.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that many AT&T customers received a letter about getting their incompatible 3G phones replaced for free. Some of them already received those phones, while other are still waiting for what they were promised. However, the general consensus is that these are just temporary replacements, not meant to be used as daily drivers for too long.

Don’t rely on AT&T’s free replacement phones

More often than not, the phones from AT&T are older (and slower) than the phones they are replacing, so the carrier expects everyone to replace them with something better at some point in the future. Of course, there are some exceptions, so if you’re one of the customers who got a Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 or a Galaxy A series phone instead, consider yourself lucky.

AT&T initially promised to provide Android users eligible for a replacement with cheap Radiant Core phones, but the carrier said it ran out of units and decided to send other, older phones too: “we did not change our plans to replace 3G network-dependent devices. However, inventory constraints mean we sometimes must find substitutes for some devices.”

If you didn’t receive the letter from AT&T, nor had your 3G phone replaced yet, the best thing you can do, although it’s a bit late now, is to simply contact the carrier and ask about it. Keep in mind though that getting your replacement phone might take a while.

AT&T is not the only carrier that has decided to shut down its 3G network. Verizon also revealed plans to sunset its 3G network at the end of 2022, while T-Mobile will shut down its 3G network on April 1 and 2G network on January 1, 2023. As far as Sprint goes, the carrier’s 2G and 3G CDMA networks will be shut down on April 1, and its 4G LTE network will stop working on June 30.

As all major carriers are now investing heavily in 5G, it makes sense for the slower, older networks like 2G and 3G to be shut down at some point. Certainly, the transition will be painful for many customers, but it’s a necessary evil in the end. We can only hope that all carriers shutting down their 3G networks will help customers upgrade their phones to the best of their abilities.