How much longer will the major US cellphone service providers support 3G phones?
Considering really 4g ‘just came out’ and some phones including the iphone which is very popular still only have 3g, I would WAG that at the very least 2 years unless the carriers offer a early upgrade for contract customers.
Very likely at least 2 years after the iphone 5 (iphone that can run 4g) comes out.
Shoot, there are tons of 2G phones still out there. I’ve seen articles that 2G service will still be around for several more years, like probably into the 2015 time range.
If the OP is considering buying a new phone, and is worried about 3G going away, don’t worry about it.
Given that 2G is still supported, I think the more appropriate question is how long will technologies like 1x EVDO, GSM etc be around. Looking at the global marketplace, it’s evident they are not going away any time soon.
4G coverage (for Verizon) is only in big cities at this time anyway. I sure as heck don’t get it and have been told it’s a few years out.