AT&T claims a phone made in 2019 will stop working, urges users to upgrade

Enlarge / A man walks with an umbrella outside of AT&T corporate headquarters on March 13, 2020, in Dallas, Texas. (credit: Getty Images | Ronald Martinez)

AT&T is sending emails to customers warning them that their phones will stop working soon and that they should buy a new phone to continue getting data and voice service. But the email is misleading because these older phones will continue working on AT&T's network until 2022, or another 18 months. Even worse, the AT&T email is going to some customers whose phones have the modern technology needed to continue working after the 2022 cutoff.

"We will soon be upgrading our network to use the latest technologies," the AT&T email said, as shown in an article posted today by Android Police. "But your device... is not compatible with the new network and you need to continue to replace it to continue receiving service. Our team is here to help you find a compatible device that fits your needs." The email advertises "free same-day delivery" for new phones.

The email links to an AT&T support page titled, "Get ready, 3G is going away in 2022." The support page says AT&T is phasing out its 3G network by February 2022 and that "Once we do, 3G devices and 4G wireless devices that don't support HD Voice will no longer work on our network."

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