AT&T phased out the 2G network

AT&T has stopped its 2G network as of the 1^st of January 2017. The announcement is published in article on the operator web site written by John Donovan – Chief Strategy Officer and Group President – AT&T Technology and Operations.

The major reason for this move is “to help support the massive growth of mobile Internet usage and free up spectrum for newer technologies”.

Donovan claims that the data usage in AT&T’s network has grown by 250 000% since 2007, mainly due to video.

The operator announced the decision to shut down the 2G network 4 years ago. In the meantime the AT&T offered discounts and free devices to eligible customers.

This decision will free up more spectrum for 5G and in the next few months, the carrier will repurpose that spectrum for LTE.