# AT&T shutting down 2G - will all the country's flip phones stop working? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 5, 2016, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293 "2016-04-05T21:12:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/21 "2016-04-06T03:47:28Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Nine years is an eternity in cell phones. There’s no reasonable expectation that 10 year old cell phones will continue to work. The phone on my mother’s bedroom wall was installed in 1954, has never needed repair, and still works fine. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/22 "2016-04-06T04:52:24Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > The phone on my mother’s bedroom wall was installed in 1954, has never needed repair, and still works fine. ↑ ↑ ↑ This… Ain’t broke, don’t fix it… 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/23 "2016-04-06T07:07:55Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > The phone I was using up until this past January was that old, and still worked. I only replaced it because my iPod Touch wore out, not because the phone wore out. The battery didn’t last as long as it used to, but it did last longer than my current smartphone’s battery. I had a flip phone until a couple of months back. It was five years old and cost me 10 bucks. The phone itself still worked, but the charging socket worked loose so i could no longer charge it. I switched to a smartphone (Galaxy S5, which has a user-replaceable battery). One thing i’ve had to adjust to with the new phone is that it needs to be plugged in basically every day, or at least every second day. With my flip phone, i could go a full week, or even more, between charges. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/24 "2016-04-06T07:08:37Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > The phone on my mother’s bedroom wall was installed in 1954, has never needed repair, and still works fine. All those whippersnappers standing around on your lawn are from the [del]phone companies[/del] telecommunications providers. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/25 "2016-04-06T07:17:15Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Are we and everybody else in this country losing access to these phones that were **just purchased** in 2007? ( **Bolding mine** ) LOL. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/26 "2016-04-06T13:12:31Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > The phone on my mother’s bedroom wall was installed in 1954, has never needed repair, and still works fine. > [@GusNSpot](#): > > ↑ ↑ ↑ This… > > Ain’t broke, don’t fix it… 🆒 And it successfully does about 0.001% of what a modern smartphone does. If one is happy with that 1/10,000th of the available features, one is free to continue paying the $20/month rent for the instrument to the landline telco. In addition to the $40 per month or whatever they charge for the landline. Freedom to choose is a wonderful thing. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/27 "2016-04-06T16:32:15Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > The phone on my mother’s bedroom wall was installed in 1954, has never needed repair, and still works fine. How much is the monthly rent these days? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/28 "2016-04-06T17:12:35Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m still planning on a smart phone. It’s time for me to get up to date in this tech obsessed world. Don’t you have a job that involves computers? ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/29 "2016-04-06T17:38:22Z")
People are laughing at the idea of keeping a phone for a number of years, but this is exactly how things used to be, as illustrated by **[t-bonham@scc.net](mailto:t-bonham@scc.net)’s** example. We’ve been conditioned by the providers to accept built in obsolescence. If they had their way, we might end up buying cartons of non-rechargeable disposable phones and every day or two we’d throw out one and unwrap the next. (Okay, probably not, but you get my point). We’re laughing at people who object to this way of doing things. Everything today is built to be replaced as quickly as possible and, with the exception of cars and some major appliances, can’t be repaired, at least not economically. It didn’t used to be this way. It’s financially and ecologically wasteful but hey, accept the ripoff and continue laughing. The people taking your money love it. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/30 "2016-04-06T18:11:38Z")
Everything is a trade off though. Back in the late 70s / early 80s, I wanted one of those ridiculous Princess phones or a Mickey Mouse one. I was easy, either would’ve been fine. But there was no way that my mother was going to make that much of an initial outlay to rent a damn phone. To just made calls, no less. So yeah. Things were built to last then and sometimes I lament that, like when I wish I had a really heavy iron that has some weight to it, versus these light, crappy things now. However, all things considered, I’d much rather have my cell that ends up being obsolete after a few years, than the more long-lasting flip phone I have for my business. Why? Well, I can’t get weather, directions or client emails on it. I can text, but it takes me about five times as long. I can’t deposit anyone’s check directly, schedule their next appointment in my calendar or or conference call. There’s no internet, so no price comparisons, looking for a certain product to aid my work or whipping up some new business cards in a matter of minutes. So, yeah. I’d rather pay a little bit more for the former and replace it in a few years because it has everything (and more) that I need. Instead of the latter that’s pretty much only good for calling, receiving and some texting. It also has voicemail, but we know no one uses that anyway. And it still costs despite sucking. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/31 "2016-04-06T18:19:10Z")
My current phone does all of those things but there’s no reason it couldn’t be built to last 10 years. New services can be added by software upgrades. And on what planet does no one use voicemail? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/32 "2016-04-06T18:41:25Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > My current phone does all of those things but there’s no reason it couldn’t be built to last 10 years. New services can be added by software upgrades. > > And on what planet does no one use voicemail? 😕 …Thus showing a complete lack of understand of technology. Sure, my iPhone 1 (which I still own) can be upgraded via a software update, but it is so woefully underpowered that modern applications are impossible to use on it. Time marches on, and doubly so for technology. The only way to have a long-lived device is to never increase it’s basic functionality. ---
**Author:** ![dofe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ba0ec/32.png) [@dofe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dofe)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/33 "2016-04-06T19:06:06Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > My current phone does all of those things but there’s no reason it couldn’t be built to last 10 years. New services can be added by software upgrades. > > And on what planet does no one use voicemail? 😕 I hate voicemails, and so do most of my peers (aged 30s-40s). There was a thread on this topic not too long ago, but it appeared to me that text messaging was the favored method of communication for the majority of posters of that thread. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/34 "2016-04-06T19:08:06Z")
I understand technology. I’m just happy _for now_ with what I have currently and I don’t see the need for the constant rapid cycle of upgrades. The functionality differences between My current Galaxy S5 and a Galaxy S6 are minimal from what I can see. When there’s a meaningful increase in capability, especially in the main functions of voice, text, and email, then upgrading makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/35 "2016-04-06T19:11:41Z")
> [@dofe](#): > > I hate voicemails, and so do most of my peers (aged 30s-40s). There was a thread on this topic not too long ago, but it appeared to me that text messaging was the favored method of communication for the majority of posters of that thread. That’s fine until you’re talking about important things like business calls. When people call me if I’m not able to answer immediately then they leave a message. I can’t just ignore them. I have to listen to them and respond. I’m talking 2 or 3 times a day, from people of ALL age ranges. Believe me, sometimes I wish they would just email or text me. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/36 "2016-04-06T19:16:32Z")
My current LG Vista has an easily replaceable battery. My old HTC did not. And my cheapy smartphone I bought because the HTC was in for repairs ( I think it is also an LG) also has an easily replaceable battery. I miss my old Motorola Razr though. Those were neat phones. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/37 "2016-04-06T19:19:46Z")
I love smartphones. I just don’t see the need for a new one very freaking year. Give me some great new capability that I can’t get with my current phone and, if I have a use for it, I’m in. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/38 "2016-04-06T19:41:37Z")
We have a Tracfone flip phone. It’s **Mrs. FtG** ’s phone for emergencies, traveling, etc. It is almost always turned off. She can make and answer a call. That’s it. It has other features that are never used. What possible feature does a smartphone have that she would actually _use_? Nope, not that. Not that either. Batteries last a loooong time if they are infrequently used. Tracfone piggybacks on other GSM networks, usually AT&T, so this concerns me. The “annual” (actually comes out to 13-15 months depending on the deal) refill date is coming up. Might have to shell out $19 for a new phone. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/39 "2016-04-06T19:50:57Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > We have a Tracfone flip phone. It’s **Mrs. FtG** ’s phone for emergencies, traveling, etc. > > It is almost always turned off. > > She can make and answer a call. That’s it. It has other features that are never used. > > What possible feature does a smartphone have that she would actually _use_? Nope, not that. Not that either. > > Batteries last a loooong time if they are infrequently used. > > Tracfone piggybacks on other GSM networks, usually AT&T, so this concerns me. > > The “annual” (actually comes out to 13-15 months depending on the deal) refill date is coming up. Might have to shell out $19 for a new phone. This is like my 87 year old mother. She has a flip phone (I think it’s AT&T) that is for occasional use only, mostly emergency. She originally got a $9.95 a month plan which I think includes a small amount of voice time. When her old one finally failed, we discovered that it was cheaper in the long run for her to outright buy a new one, since she couldn’t get a free upgrade without signing up for a more expensive plan. She would have no idea how to use text, email, etc., and she still writes checks for a lot of her bills! ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293/40 "2016-04-06T20:23:57Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > And it successfully does about 0.001% of what a modern smartphone does. > > If one is happy with that 1/10,000th of the available features, one is free to continue paying the $20/month rent for the instrument to the landline telco. In addition to the $40 per month or whatever they charge for the landline. > > Freedom to choose is a wonderful thing. Freedom to choose not to serve a customer isn’t all that great, though. There is a non-insignificant number of people out there who are happy with rotary telephones, or 2G flip phones, or analog TVs and who aren’t interested in either learning the new technology or spending the money to upgrade. They don’t ask for a lot and are happy to keep paying for what they have. The fact that businesses don’t want them as customers is not their fault. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-t-shutting-down-2g-will-all-the-countrys-flip-phones-stop-working/751293.md?page=3)