4G Roll-out Forces Cel Phone Upgrade

[Brians356]

I hope everyone is aware we are approaching a deadline. As early in 2022 as January, most if not all mobile network providers will throw a big switch which will disconnect 3G cel phones. I was informed by AT&T that my devices will soon be obsolete.

In light of this, I am looking to replace my tiny old Blackberry phone. I do not seek a proper modern "smart" phone such as a typical full-screen iPhone or Samsung. I'm seeking a 4G-ready "flip phone" equivalent* for talking and texting, and I want it as compact and robust as possible for cramming into the pocket of my Levis. Decent phone audio (talking and listening) would be a big plus.

As I want to retain my current telephone number, and prefer to stay connected to AT&T's network, my choices are limited. And reading the reviews of the few phones available, the best candidate I have found so far is a Kyocera DuraX family of phone in the ~$250 price range.

I'm guessing there are more than a few readers on the same scent trail, or who have already upgraded their phones. Any thoughts, experiences, or recommendations?

Brian

( * The simple flip phone has pretty much gone extinct; they all seem to have small color display screens, cameras, and other features of larger, smarter phones, but cost a fraction of what most people demand in a smart phone.)
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[rjtfroggy]

I don't know about everyone else but it 5g around here, had to change my phone in June.
As for the phone go to HSN.com they have/had flip phones that fit what you want.

 

[crowsnest2002]

Had my old flip phased out with the diminishing towers. Had to upgrade as well unfortunately. At least now I have GPS lol.

 

[stork]

I've had one of these for about 3 years. Excellent & 4g compatable.

https://www.amazon.com/Kyocera-Extreme-Verizon-Ultra-Rugged-1770mAh/dp/B08C6YB4LY?linkCode=ogi&tag=bp_links-20&ascsubtag=[artid|2089.g.2938[src|[ch|[lt|

Allen

 

[Brians356]

I've had one of these for about 3 years. Excellent & 4g compatable.

https://www.amazon.com/Kyocera-Extreme-Verizon-Ultra-Rugged-1770mAh/dp/B08C6YB4LY?linkCode=ogi&tag=bp_links-20&ascsubtag=[artid|2089.g.2938[src|[ch|[lt|

Allen

That's what I'm looking at. If you feel it's excellent after 3 years, that's probably what I'll go with. Thanks!

@rjtfroggy,

FWIW 5G is not yet ready for prime time nationwide, there are still issues with it. Your "5G" phone will actually be operating at 4G rates most of the time in most places (perhaps not where you live.) The 4G network is ready nationwide, so they're switching over which will leave 3G and some early 4G phones in the wilderness.
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[jonbearman]

We have 5 g here in western ny and my older flip phone works better than both of my kids modern insane new phones.

 

[spike-55]

I hope everyone is aware we are approaching a deadline. As early in 2022 as January, most if not all mobile network providers will throw a big switch which will disconnect 3G cel phones. I was informed by AT&T that my devices will soon be obsolete.

In light of this, I am looking to replace my tiny old Blackberry phone. I do not seek a proper modern "smart" phone such as a typical full-screen iPhone or Samsung. I'm seeking a 4G-ready "flip phone" equivalent* for talking and texting, and I want it as compact and robust as possible for cramming into the pocket of my Levis. Decent phone audio (talking and listening) would be a big plus.

As I want to retain my current telephone number, and prefer to stay connected to AT&T's network, my choices are limited. And reading the reviews of the few phones available, the best candidate I have found so far is a Kyocera DuraX family of phone in the ~$250 price range.

I'm guessing there are more than a few readers on the same scent trail, or who have already upgraded their phones. Any thoughts, experiences, or recommendations?

Brian

( * The simple flip phone has pretty much gone extinct; they all seem to have small color display screens, cameras, and other features of larger, smarter phones, but cost a fraction of what most people demand in a smart phone.)
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Brian,
My mother in law is on my plan and had the same issue as you. However, AT&T sent us a new phone for free that will essentially do what you described. when it arrived i just had to set it up for her speed dial and she has had no issues. see if they will give you a free replacement
???
stan

 

[rayporter]

AT&T sent us 2 phones

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Both the wife and I haven't had 4g network quality service on our phones for a couple weeks, my phone is 8 years old, hers about 2 months.

 

[jackieschmidt]

This is my outdated phone, though it is the “latest” flip phone.

I use my IPad like most use a smart phone.

My phone And IPad are furnished by my business. We are on Verizon.

 

[Steve morgan]

That's what I'm looking at. If you feel it's excellent after 3 years, that's probably what I'll go with. Thanks!

@rjtfroggy,

FWIW 5G is not yet ready for prime time nationwide, there are still issues with it. Your "5G" phone will actually be operating at 4G rates most of the time in most places (perhaps not where you live.) The 4G network is ready nationwide, so they're switching over which will leave 3G and some early 4G phones in the wilderness.
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Keocera is good , on my second one now . It lasted about 5-6 years. This one is 1 1/2 yr old now. No problems.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

3G? You wanne tell me in the US of A you still use 3G? How in the world to you even communicate

 

[bapayton]

From what I read a few months back we don't have true 5g yet but more of a hybrid of 4 & 5, so 4g+ maybe.

Like some others my mother's phone was an old 3g and AT&T sent her a free one to replace it.

With all that said, please read up on what 5g brings on the security/privacy side of things.

My next phone will be de-googled for sure!

 

[MS50]

If the cell phone is your only device, do yourself a favor and check out the sound quality and ring volume before you buy. I now use a smartphone with perfect sound quality. In the past when shopping for a durable flip phone, I returned/traded a couple that had unacceptable sound quality. Go to a shop, call the display models and check them out.

 

[KMart]

Brian,
My mother in law is on my plan and had the same issue as you. However, AT&T sent us a new phone for free that will essentially do what you described. when it arrived i just had to set it up for her speed dial and she has had no issues. see if they will give you a free replacement
???
stan

Same with me and my wife. I think we paid something like $10 for shipping and 2 new 4G flip phones from AT&T showed up at our door the next day.
When AT&T wants you to upgrade and it is getting down to the cut off time, they will get it done cheap.
For about 2 years we received notices that new fiber optics and higher speed was available for our computer hook up. They wanted a $50 hook up fee. When the time came that we had to be off the old service, they sent a service man to us and hooked us up to fiber optics for free.

 

[ebb]

Ive got one of the smart phones and even I can use it. Why do you resist? I have strelok ballistics program right on my phone. I can send pictures of a jammed up 9mm Ar to the manufacture. Its a brave new world join it!

 

[Brians356]

Ive got one of the smart phones and even I can use it. Why do you resist? I have strelok ballistics program right on my phone. I can send pictures of a jammed up 9mm Ar to the manufacture. Its a brave new world join it!

Resist? That implies an uncertain outcome. The word you want is "refuse" which also applies to my never joining Twitter or Facebook, thank you Lord. Resist, that's rich.

I do have a smart phone, since you ask, but I don't use it for a pocket cell phone, it's strictly for Wi-Fi connection to the Internet. A portable PC as it were. My Blackberry Pearl cell phone is the size of the WW II Zippo lighter. As to my ability to comprehend modern devices, I'm a computer systems engineer owning a company selling advanced proprietary storage area network solutions. Sooo ...
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[ebb]

So you have a smart phone you just refuse to to use it . I totally agree about face book and twitter, my daughter set up my phone and i deleted facebook and twitter very soon after. I was bullied into a smart phone so i could conduct all business on the construction site with builder trend. only problem is none of the rest of the crew and the owner ever timely updated so it was useless. I have learned to use what helps me and delete what wastes time. its fun to be hunting and send pictures of the day or a kill to a friend who has to work.