T-Mobile already announced that they would shut down 2G and 3G towers in January 2021 and advised users to upgrade to VoLTE supporting mobiles. We thought they would extend the time like AT&T to 2022 or something. But T-Mobile officially announced they would shut down the Non-VoLTE network. Thus, Those users who use 2G and 3G phones as their daily or second drive will get affected. T-Mobile knows the current situation and offers Free VoLTE replacement mobiles for your T-Mobile 2G and 3G phones. So, When you are using T-Mobile Postpaid 2G and 3G mobiles, you can get free mid-range VoLTE supporting mobiles.
5G effect on 2G and 3G
Every mobile phone service provider is updating its system to introduce the latest 5G band spectrum. The real 5G uses mmWave low band frequency, which requires the installation of specialized equipment and infrastructure. That is why every carrier is replacing 4G LTE with the high-speed 5G equipment. In this scenario, it is not economically feasible for these carriers to run multiple band spectrums simultaneously.
On the other hand, mobile manufacturers have set 4G LTE as the standard of manufacturing. There is no room for 2G or 3G mobile phones as mobile phone service providers stop the 2G and 3G service. The USA’s largest telecommunication company AT&T has already announced to shut down 2G and 3G service from 2022. AT&T has set the VoLTE (voice over LTE) as standard for the mobile phone to continue its services after 2022.
What is VoLTE?
It is the same as its name suggests, voice over LTE. Usually, we think 4G LTE is to transfer data, downloading, or streaming only, but it gives you a super voice quality. Some carriers have set the standard as VoLTE rather than 2G and 3G. They charge you in data in Mbs rather than in minutes. VoLTE gives you super voice quality, maximum coverage area, better data transfer rate, saves battery life, and allows video calling. VoLTE is not available on every network or any mobile phone.
T-Mobile Plans on 2G and 3G shutdown and goes VoLTE.
T-Mobile already covered 50 states with its 5G. They won’t soon shut down the networks, But they want to prepare users. T-Mobile didn’t officially announce anything about the shutdown of 2G and 3G. But a leaked document from T-Mobile shows the company’s intentions. According to this leaked document, T-Mobile will not support non-VoLTE devices from January 2021. One of the company’s spokesman confirms this shutdown but didn’t confirm the shutdown date. He said that T-Mobile is phasing out some older technologies to free up space for 4G LTE and high-speed 5G.
As at the time of the merger with Sprint this April, T-Mobile announced continuing to support sprint customers for three years. In the merger context, January 2021 is too early for the shutdown. However, T-Mobile announced not to register non-VoLTE devices from August 4. 2020, on its network.
How to check your phone VoLTE compatibility?
Even if you have LTE support mobile, It may not have a VoLTE function. When you don’t have VoLTE, then T-Mobile Network will not work.
Phone settings
You can check your phone compatibility inside your phone settings. Go to settings and tap the “About phone” option. Find the SIM Status from the menu and tap. You will get complete information about your SIM card. If you find VoLTE under your mobile voice network option, then congrats, your phone is VoLTE compatible.
Dial-up
The second method is dial *#*#4636#*#* from your dial pad. It will open the hidden diagnostic menus on your phone information. Here if you find VoLTE under voice network type, then your mobile is VoLTE compatible.
Company’s compatibility page
There is a third method too. You can check the compatibility on the company’s compatibility page. Just open the company’s compatibility page and enter your phone’s IMEI number, which you can find by searching IMEI under the ‘About phone’ menu in your phone settings. When you enter the IMEI number, the company tells you whether your phone is VoLTE compatible or not.
What does T-Mobile VoLTE only voice calls mean for 2G and 3G customers?
It will directly affect those customers who are still using a 2G or 3G mobile phone. They have to buy a new phone to continue enjoying T-Mobile services or shift to any other network that still supports their old phones. Those customers who have imported their mobiles and are not registered in the USA will get this impact. A list of these imported mobiles includes Oppo, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Having these unregistered set using T-Mobile right now will also be facing it after December 31, 2020.
Free VoLTE replacement mobiles for your T-Mobile 2G and 3G phones
Even if most users have 4G with VoLTE mobiles, some use 2G and 3G mobiles as a secondary device when they are Travelers or long-distance rural workers. Most of the Aged people use their kind of mobiles for avoiding complicated tasks in Smartphones. But, T-Mobile is already going Nationwide 5G, So they have to utilize the already available towers and expand their Network. Also, They know the current situation, and they don’t urge users to go for high price mobiles. Instead, they are ready for free replacements for your T-Mobile 2G and 3G phones. Also, They listed what mobiles are not supported. The list has only a few mobiles. So, It is better to check your old mobile with the T-Mobile store. The replacement mobiles are T-Mobile REVVL 4, Samsung Galaxy A21, Galaxy A11, and Alcatel GO FLIP 3.
T-Mobile Non Comptible mobiles list
Along with the following non-supporting mobiles, Even if you have LTE, Your mobile should have T-Mobile VoLTE. Or Else, you should upgrade.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T model)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon model)
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos
- HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle
- HTC Desire 650
- Google Nexus 9
- Huawei Mate 8
- Huawei P9
- Mikrotikls SIA_R11e-LTE6
- Netgear Arlo Security Camera System
- OnePlus 1
- Quanta Dragon IR7
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia Z3 Orion
- Sony D6616 Xperia Z3 Orion
- Soyea M02
- ZTE ZMax
Wrap up
T-mobile focuses more on future technology and already achieved 1Gbps speed in their mid-band 5G, while Verizon struggles to plant mmWave technology across the country. There are thousands of users of T-Mobile users who are still using the old mobile set. T-Mobile should launch some leasing phone offers to such customers to get them along on this high-speed communication journey.
When all US carriers change their band to VoLTE compatible, You can’t make voice calls from your feature mobiles. Even if you have LTE mobiles, It doesn’t mean you have VoLTE. Your mobile manufacturer or your carrier should roll out OTA to make your mobile VoLTE compatible. Most of the mobile manufacturers don’t roll out software updates regularly. Do you have an older mobile phone with T-Mobile yet and got Replacement? Do tell us your experience in the comments below.
Ask Follow-up Question from this topic With Google Gemini: You can get Free VoLTE replacement mobiles for your T-Mobile 2G and 3G phones
Selva Ganesh is a Computer Science Engineer, Android Developer, and Tech Enthusiast. As the Chief Editor of this blog, he brings over 10 years of experience in Android development and professional blogging. He has completed multiple courses under the Google News Initiative, enhancing his expertise in digital journalism and content accuracy. Selva also manages Android Infotech, a globally recognized platform known for its practical, solution-focused articles that help users resolve Android-related issues.
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