Verizon Wireless is shutting down its 3G CDMA network at the end of 2019. The consequence of this network shutdown is that if you have an older 3G only device, you will no longer be able to use it on Verizon Wireless or with one of its network partners come January 1, 2020.
In July of 2018, Verizon already stopped allowing 3G CDMA data only devices, and non-HD/Volte phone devices, including swaps from being activated on its postpaid and prepaid plans. Furthermore, Verizon's MVNO partners are said to be no longer be allowed to activate such devices as of 4/30/19. That means we should start getting more notifications from Verizon's MVNO partners like the one described below from Selectel Wireless.
According to a post from NWIDA, which is The National Wireless Independent Dealer Association, Selectel Wireless has just announced the following:
CDMA DECOMMISSION INFORMATION
Beginning May 1st, 2019:
Only HD Voice Capable Devices and 4G LTE data only certified devices may be activated on our network
Only HD Voice Capable Devices and 4G LTE data only IMEI uploads will be accepted to the
Device Management Database
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Beginning July 1, 2019, the following maintenance activities on non HD Voice Capable Devices or 3G data only devices will no longer be available for your use:
• Rate plan and feature changes
• MDN changes
• Apply and restore from Hotline and Suspend status
• Restore de-activations that were made in error, per the new requirements
• SIM changes on existing non HD Voice Smartphones
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Upgrades from CDMA only devices to HD Voice Capable Devices and 4G LTE data only devices will continue to be allowed until December 31, 2019.
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So what this all means is if you currently have a 3G CDMA only device and plan with Selectel Wireless you will still be able to use it until the end of the year. However, new subscribers won't be able to activate such a device on the network as of May 1, 2019. Furthermore, those who do use a 3G only device with Selectel Wireless, will no longer be able to upgrade or downgrade their plan after July 1, 2019. Those with a 3G only device on an account gets deactivated for whatever reason will no longer be able to reactivate their device if it gets deactivated after July 1, 2019.
Would you or your readers have suggestions for new or recent (that could be bought used/refurbished) flip phones that will work well after 3g CDMA shutdown?
Simpler the better, not fragile, good voice call quality / signal reception. Ability to use on Verizon MVNOs preferable ( not locked to VZW only).
Have 2 elders that will never migrate to a smart phonephone but want to remain on VZW towers.