Leaked AT&T email sheds light on 2G exit strategy
Way back in 2006, there was quite a bit of hubbub surrounding Cingular's decision to sell / not sell 3G phones in 2G areas, and now it seems that AT&T is looking seriously at how to move on beyond the latter. According to a leaked email sent within the AT&T organization, there's currently a phase-out plan that will lower prices on select 2G dumbphones, with the expectation that 3G handsets will be gently pushed on consumers jonesing for one of those older pieces. Of course, we get the feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg, and moreover, it's probably more to do with getting rid of 2G phones than 2G technology. Heck, LTE isn't even here yet -- do you really expect a sluggish corporation such as this to be that on the ball?














Good good good! Time to begin GSM phase out!
its to phase out 2g not gsm you tard
nice idiot comment there, what do you think the 2g is they are referring to? GSM.
2G = GSM, 3G = WCDMA, right? GSM != WCDMA, right?
If they phase out GSM, does that mean that will free up spectrum used by GSM as well? Does that mean faster speeds? More connections?
GSM specifically refers to GSM (2g), which is what they want to phase out. UMTS/HSPA (WCDMA) (3G) is what GSM's successor is. By getting everyone 3g capable, they can turn down GSM and deploy more 3G channels etc. Or, give ATT more of a reason to deploy 3g etc.
By Verizon's very actions, CDMA is the standard that's going the way of the dinosaur. As long as LTE maintains the same voice quality, that move is nothing but positive.
According to a report on MSNBC, they might be making good use of the 2G if they release a dumbed-down version of the iPhone to stimulate sales in a slow economy. It will only have a 2G radio with $15 data plan. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29122164?GT1=43001
Well that is a terrible idea, 2g only, especially when everyone else can easily implement 3g in their handsets....
lookie here zephxii 2g stands for second generation which is what they are getting rid of they are not doing away with GSM as a whole.
No, get your facts straight, GSM is specifically the 2g technology they are getting rid of. The term GSM does not technically cover UMTS/HSPA and LTE, the term 3gpp does however.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3GPP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_System_for_Mobile_Communications
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Mobile_Telecommunications_System
I wouldn't argue with him, he knows what he is talking about. Haha
I'm not sure who your source is, but I work in one of the stores that is doing this and my manger said it is only taking place at selected stores in one area. This seems more like a local decision than the start of some massive, company-wide rollout. By the way, it is only on some lower end phones. I think your source jumped the gun and got it wrong.
This seems like a stupid decision since only about 10% of America has 3G. Good business choice here. How about uping the 3G coverage before you do this!?
Find a phone that AT&T sells that does not have GSM capability, you won't. So your argument is moot there.
This is a great idea! They aren't doing away with GSM, what they are doing is trying to get to a point where ALL their phones are GSM/3G compatible devices. That way, when 3G launches in a market, a good portion of people will hop over to 3G and they can turn down GSM. Currently the 3G rollout has been somewhat halted because of the need to keep spectrum on GSM, with this they can potentially move entire markets to 3G, or at least most of the slice in that market.
Umm AT&T is nothing but GSM so why would they sell a phone that's not? Apparently you don't understand what 2G, 3G, and GSM is all about.
Umm, do you know what you are talking about? It has already been stated here, 3G is NOT GSM.
Does this mean I have to upgrade my 2G iPhone to 3G one? :P...