New Phone
Need a new phone ... account with T-Mobile and don't want to change that. We each have a Samsung Android Smart phone at the moment and no need to change that - even tho it's like a brick. It has h...
Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer wrote:pianotuna wrote:
Hi,
As of July 2022 T-Mobile is dropping g3 voice service. That is going to mean you can't use them except for voip programs such as Whatsapp.
I hate this forced obsolescence.
Umm, no, not fully true statement.
Yes, "3G" is being in process of being sunsetted, but as long as the flip phones have 4G digital "Voice over LTE" (IE VoLTE) capability there is zero issue using a flip phone..
The Alcatel Go flip 4 I found on T mobiles website DOES indeed support 4G VoLTE per T mobile website "Enjoy enhanced audio and clear VoLTE calls with 4G LTE connectivity."
Buying an very old obsolete third party flip phone from another vendor does have the real possibility of being 3G/4G and the 4G may not have "VoLTE" capability which would make it a worthless paper weight..
The key here is finding a new enough flip phone which has 4G VoLTE capability..
My provider is Sasktel. My current device(s) do not support VoLTE.
My point is that replacing a 3g voice phone with another one is not going to work. Here is what they sent me.
"A few months ago, we let you know that starting in February 2022 our U.S. roaming partners AT&T and T-Mobile had plans to evolve their networks. With this evolution, AT&T has indicated they will be shutting down their 3G network in February 2022 and T-Mobile is expected to follow in July 2022. We wanted to send you a friendly reminder of what this means for 3G wireless devices and how you can make sure you continue to have the voice calling service you need if you travel to the U.S.
Our records show phone number(s) xxx-xxx-xxxx are 3G wireless device(s) affected by the shutdown. When AT&T shuts down their 3G network in February 2022, voice calls in the U.S. will continue to be able to be made in T-Mobile 3G coverage areas. Once T-Mobile shuts down their 3G network in July 2022, you’ll no longer be able to make or receive voice calls when in the U.S with your current wireless device. You may also not be able to call 911. Data and text messaging will not be impacted by these network changes.
To continue using voice calling in the U.S., there are two options:
Option 1: Upgrade to a VoLTE-capable device. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) devices can make voice calls over an LTE network instead of 3G. With all devices available for $0 upfront with Plus Pricing, we have something for everyone. Check out sasktel.com/wirelessdevices.
Option 2: Use an alternate voice service app. Apps such as FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp use data services for voice calls. Please be aware 911 calling is not available through apps.
To learn more about these upcoming changes and roaming in the U.S., including a complete list of VoLTE-capable devices, visit sasktel.com/usnetworkchanges.
To upgrade your device, please visit a SaskTel Store or Authorized Dealer and we’ll be happy to help you find the right device for you."
