A lot of people have had the same phone for years and like it that way. They feel comfortable with it and it's features. Word is that starting in the new year, many of these phones will not work anymore.

What is about to happen is that service providers across the country are about to drop support for the 3G networks and there are still a lot of phones out there that rely on 3G. We are talking about major providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and many more including smaller carriers who use the major providers networks.

It's uncertain when 3G networks plan to cut their service. It appears that depending on your service provider, you could loose 3G service as early as January 1st, 2022 or it could be toward the end of 2022. That's a pretty big time spread!

Some carriers are already offering free upgrades to new phones so you won't have any problems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has a program designed to help low income families.

It's also not known as far as how old the phones are that will no longer be compatible and just stop working. Some of the phones in question include older flip phones and some of the old smartphones, even if they were early 4G phones.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Chris Nelson says...“There are various types of 4G technology. The latest 4G technology will continue to work for a long time to come. It was some of the very, very earliest 4G technology that is probably going to be phased out along with 3G.”

It's probably a great idea to check with your service provider and find out where you stand with your phone. If it is an older phone, ask them if they are going to upgrade it to something that you will be able to count on. You don't want to be surprised when 2022 comes in and you've lost your service because you put it off. If you can, take care of it now and give yourself an early Christmas present....a new phone!!

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