US-based mobile carrier AT&T has officially shut down its 2G network. According to a press release issued by the company, they are committed to moving ahead with 2017 to provide next generation mobile services. Hence, they are shutting down its legacy 2G network with effect from January 1.
With the shutdown of the 2G network, the company can now utilize the excess spectrum, which will enable them to use it to provide other trending wireless technologies such as 5G or 4G LTE.
Initially, AT&T has disclosed that they are shutting down its 2G network around four years ago. However, the company has established contact with stakeholders, partners and customers who depend upon 2G. Moreover, users were advised to make use of the 2G for minimum purposes to fulfil basic use.
Dubbed as 2G Sunset, the company had provided four years time for the users to migrate to other networks such as 3G and 4G LTE. With a large number of people still make use of 2G, it is not feasible for any mobile company to stop the services without giving sufficient time for migration.
Going forward, AT&T is gearing up to launch 5G by the end of 2017 including improvement of 4G LTE services.
