800-880-8581

copy of email:
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AT&T is shutting down our 3G network. As a result, your cell phone ending in XXXX won’t work once the network is shut down, so you will need to get a new cell phone to stay connected.
Visit an AT&T store or call us at 800.880.8581 to learn about staying connected so your service is not interrupted.

Is ATT really shutting down 3G and offering free phones t use on 5G network?

I really doubt it. We got that text message too and will be calling AT&T (not at the number they texted) to try to verify it.

You could also check their official website.

I just paid my phone bill online and there was no message of that sort in my message and alert and email portion of my account.  I am going to ignore it.

Based on the information I have seen on the website; they are.  The message I got was for my mother's flip phone number, which is several years old already.

It's a scam. Don't fall for it.

I just called ATT customer service and they said it is true.

I recived my new replace of 3G is being replace by 4G.
I recieved got my new 4G at the beginning of June. I have gone to two differnce AA&A stores and talked to several AA&A employees. None of these people were able to help me to get program activated. Can you help me get my new program activated?

William Peet

None of the regulars here deal or work  with AA&A.  Do they have a call in line (800 number)?  That might be the best bet for you.

AT&T is shutting off 3g but I am willing to bet that this is a phising scam as the number does not come up as being owned by AT&T. The text is also telling me my 4g phones are going to be shut off instead of my moms 3g flip phone. When in doubt call the verifiable number for the company.

Here is the partial complete message:
"AT&T FREE MSG: In Feb 2022, we're shutting down our 3G network to make improvements to our network.  We're shipping you a new FREE cell phone to replace your device ending with xxxx.  All you need to do is activate the new device. ..... If you need additional assistance,  visit one of our stores or call us at 800.880.8581"
Called ATT and here was the information from ATT:
Yes, the message is correct.  And yes, ATT will send a new device (in my case, it will be a Cingular flip phone).
However, the ATT representative said that he does not know the 800-880-8581.
This is the official AT&T number is 800-ATT-2020 or 800-288-2020 (you can Google this).

At&t had put out a notice on their web site saying the 3g would not be supported in feb,  2022. Also a list of all makes of phones that would be supported. I pay my bill on their site and saw what i typed above  this was early 2021.  The list  included some of the 4g that would be supported.  That part is true.

At&t will not support the 3g, but will support the 4g and of course 5g  and any newer phones.
I will be calling at&t on  at&t phone's number and not the one in the text, to find out if my plan as is will not change, will ask what kind of phone will be sent  to me

the text said if you don't activate,  at&t will activate for you.   Problem with that you may lose some of your contacts,etc.  So go to  at&t store to be on safe side.
If i receive a new phone from them i'm going to store to get it activated.

UPS just dropped off four free phones!   Need to take a look.

This seems to be a real thing, but like always, there are scams around as well. You can call AT&T to double check on changes and offers, and there may be info on their website as well.   Or go to your local store if you have one handy.  Better to make sure.

Message seemed correct.  Killed my 4G phone though

Yes they really are! I am not sure if these txt from them are really att but I know we have spoke to an att representative and Feb 2022 3g will not work

The number presented in text is accurate. It is not the official posted AT&T number because the 800-880-8581 is intended for 3G support for either migration to a new compatible device or if the previous phone on account was shut off prematurely for instance. Temporary number while transition is under way.

My mother(not the account holder or an authorized user, that is me), got a text from this number saying that her current phone will be deactivated but to call them( or visit an att store) about it for assistance on the "new phone" she was never sent. I called the number ive always had for att before and after calling this number.

First, att had no knowledge of any changes on the account. No notice of phone activations, no new phones, nothing. So i call this number. They start with "thank you for calling att wireless, press 1 for english".

Talking to the lady on the phone, she asked for my name, phone number, and passcode. Then claimed she could not get into the account and tried asking security questions. So i hung up, called att back, and changed my passcode.

I got two.  one for me one for my wife.  it is legitimate that at&t is closing down support for 3g phones.