Washington-based company and cellphone provider juggernaut T-Mobile is gearing up for the long-anticipated shutdown of its 2G network, with support scheduled to end next month. This decision aligns with other major carriers to make the switch. Companies like AT&T and Verizon phased out their 2G services in 2017 and 2020. 

T-Mobile Plan

Originally, T-Mobile planned to terminate 2G support in April, but the company has since postponed that deadline. As the shutdown approaches, T-Mobile will begin dismantling its 2G infrastructure, leading to a reduction in network capacity and coverage. 

Nokia 3310

Let’s be real here: if you are on 2G, you really are in need of a new phone. A 2G phone is the Nokia 3310, or that classic candy bar phone. Now looking back, that was definitely a simpler time living with a phone like that. Not getting constant updates from stuff you don’t care about, work emails following you everywhere, and the ability to only need to charge it a couple of times a week. I can see the appeal of wanting to hold on to that. 

Incentives

If you're still relying on a 2G device, it's time to consider an upgrade, though. T-Mobile is offering incentives such as waiving SIM card fees and providing access to affordable 4G-capable phones. 

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Functionality

Given the outdated security associated with 2G technology, upgrading to a newer device not only enhances functionality but also improves safety. As the shutdown date nears, now is probably a good time to make the switch. 

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

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