I was caught off guard when I called Verizon Wireless for a minor issue and found out that my cell phone will no longer work after December 2019 because they are shutting down the 3G network. I have a heavy-duty Kyocera Dura XV flip phone (no interest at all in a smartphone).
If you have an older friend/relative that still uses a flip phone that does NOT have a SIM card (and only works on the old 3G network), let them know they will need to upgrade their phone by the end December or their cell phone will stop working.
They can STILL get a new flip phone but it will be 4G LTE and will have a SIM card. As far as I know, there are two options for a Verizon Wireless 4G flip phone--the Kyocera Dura XV LTE phone, and the Kyocera Cadence (both carried locally at the Verizon Store on Route 235 up by the former Starbucks store). I upgraded to the newer Dura XV LTE model and it is almost exactly the same as the older model (just more memory, a SIM card, etc.).
In addition, if you use OnStar and have a car model before 2015, you will need an upgrade kit (where possible) to upgrade your OnStar to work on the 4G network. The link below gives some good info on what other types of devices (medical, etc.) may need to be replaced/updated before the end of December 2019. For cell phones, note that you will need to buy a new device AND pay an activation fee.
If you have an older friend/relative that still uses a flip phone that does NOT have a SIM card (and only works on the old 3G network), let them know they will need to upgrade their phone by the end December or their cell phone will stop working.
They can STILL get a new flip phone but it will be 4G LTE and will have a SIM card. As far as I know, there are two options for a Verizon Wireless 4G flip phone--the Kyocera Dura XV LTE phone, and the Kyocera Cadence (both carried locally at the Verizon Store on Route 235 up by the former Starbucks store). I upgraded to the newer Dura XV LTE model and it is almost exactly the same as the older model (just more memory, a SIM card, etc.).
In addition, if you use OnStar and have a car model before 2015, you will need an upgrade kit (where possible) to upgrade your OnStar to work on the 4G network. The link below gives some good info on what other types of devices (medical, etc.) may need to be replaced/updated before the end of December 2019. For cell phones, note that you will need to buy a new device AND pay an activation fee.
Like I said, previously, what a racket. Not to mention the hubbub that 5G may cause health issues for people that live too close to the towers. Considering looking into other options after contract is up. Happy phoning, y’all!
