3G Sunset Updates and Information

Just received the same text myself. The phone is a 4g phone so not sure why it would have to be replace? text is from 11113000

There is nothing at all phishy about that text, except for that I can't independently confirm that 800 number at the moment.  I'd call 611.

@slwfleming , your phone may support 4G without supporting LTE.  It may actually support data LTE without supporting VoLTE.  It may support other carrier's VoLTE without working on AT&T's VoLTE and thus needs to be replaced for AT&T voice use.

Please check these two lists to see if your phone's exact model number appears in one of them:

https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf

https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf

If it appears in neither, then you indeed need a replacement.  Either AT&T's free replacement or another from one of these lists.

@gocorby13 ATT is sending free replacement phones. It is not a scam but I guess you’ll no for sure when the free phone arrives. 

Apparently AT&T won’t support the unlocked phones as the locked version is on the supported list. So it appears AT&T is punishing people that bought unlocked. Phone is SM-G950u1. Galaxy 8.

plus no advanced notification for many users. February is too close to the shopping holidays so funds are depleted. Would loved to have been able to save or shop around given enough time. $1000 is a lot to save for an unexpected expense. And NO we did not get advanced notice. Just what initially looks like a scam text sent today.

The free replacement phone is complete garbage. No wireless charging, 16gb storage. You’ve got to be kidding.

replacement. I am told a phone is going to be sent to me to replace a Galaxy S8+, which I bought from AT&T for over $800.00.

If you bought your S8+ from ATT, it does not need to be replaced. It will still work fine after 3G is shut down, though it may need a software update to enable HD Voice.

In fact none of the phones that you listed, if purchased from a T and T need to be replaced all are capable of working as long as they are up to date.

The S8 series came with Android 7, which was VoLTE capable.  If AT&T thinks you need a new phone, something is wrong with how your account or phone or SIM card is provisioned. The first thing to check is that your sim card is not so old that the SIM card itself is not correctly provisioned for voice over LTE you. Also make sure that your IMEI is correct in your online account. 

As for the free phone they're sending you, stick it in the drawer in case you spare.  It doesn't come with a catch, it's completely free without any obligation. 

Is AT&T Really deactivating my $800.00 Samsung cell phone for good next year?

I have gotten numerous notifications from AT&T over the past couple of weeks about how they're gong to send me a free phone; apparently because they think my  $850.00 GalaxyS8+ will not work on their new network dbm they roll it out next February.

Both the texts and the emails I've received -- supposedly explaining exactly what they are doing -- could only  be described as "oblique", to say the least.

They say when I receive it I should "activate" my new phone. 

They also say that if I do NOT activate my "new free" phone, after a period of time THEY will activate it...and then my Samsung S8+ will no longer work, except for emergency calls to 911 and 611. 

It is definitely  NOT made clear whether or not my S8+ will work AFTER the transition, of if they are going to REACTIVATE my S8+  at all. 

I have looked into this "fabulous!" new phone that's on its way to me, It is a: 
U318AA Phone from Emblem Solutions LLC...and am having trouble describing it without using a string of expletives! (That's NOT "superlatives", folks...) 

To give an idea of the particular "niche" this cellphone occupies, it currently sells for $39.00 at Walmart! 

Exactly WHAT is going on here? 

We'll be happy to assist you with your device @philippo.

As mentioned above, your phone is compatible with the 3G Sunset. Here is a full list of the approved devices.

If you are receiving notifications that your device isn't compatible, it may simply need a software update (particularly if you didn't purchase it directly from us).

Another possibility is that there may be an issue with the way your SIM card is provisioned, which may simply require you to get a new SIM card. 

Everything that @formerlyknownas wrote above is applicable to your situation as well. 

Please let us know if you have any additional questions; if so, we'll be happy to clarify.

Darais, AT&T Community Specialist 

@philippo

Is AT&T Really deactivating my $800.00 Samsung cell phone for good next year?

If it's not the compatible At&t model, that's correct.  BTW, your phone sold for $850 5 years ago.  It's book value is about $60.  

I have gotten numerous notifications from AT&T over the past couple of weeks about how they're gong to send me a free phone; apparently because they think my  $850.00 GalaxyS8+ will not work on their new network dbm they roll it out next February.

See first reply

It is definitely  NOT made clear whether or not my S8+ will work AFTER the transition, of if they are going to REACTIVATE my S8+

It's clear to me when they say your phone won't work on at&t, how is that not clear?

If you have an AT&T or U model as listed, it should boot with AT&T globe.  Otherwise, it's out.  If it is the AT&T model, the IMEI isn't correcr or sim is not provisioned.