AT&T To Shut Down 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network In 2017 (3G, towers)

[Pink Jazz]

According to this link:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/att...017-2012-08-03

AT&T will be shutting down its 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE network in 2017. This seems like a wise move for AT&T, as it needs to reallocate its spectrum for faster 3G and 4G networks, considering today's data usage. In 2008, AT&T shut down its 1G analog AMPS and its (older) 2G TDMA/D-AMPS networks.

I wonder though, before AT&T shut down its AMPS and TDMA networks, AT&T was adding a surcharge to users still using an AMPS or TDMA phone. I wonder if AT&T will soon do the same for those using 2G-only (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) devices.

[dontaskwhy]

News flash.....

At&t has shut down 2G in some major markets already. This is not a surprise. Just ask someone living in NY City.

[atlantagreg30127]

This is the reason you're starting to (finally) see 3G basic phones appear in the prepaid market. Many of them also use the AT&T towers. Until not long ago, all of the basic phones on these services were 2G, unless you upgraded to a prepaid smart phone. Now there are a couple of 3G/WiFi basic phones available, and by the time this shut-down takes place they will all be at least 3G.