New Member
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2 Messages
AT&T tells me my Samsung S8+ is no longer compatible with their network
On March 4, 2022, my Samsung S8+ Could no longer accept or make a voice call. Data services were okay. After going to their AT&T store, they informed me that we would have to purchase an AT&T branded phone because the unlocked phone would no longer work on their network.
I believe this is totally bogus. AT&T’s own document shows the Samsungs S8+ as fully supported including advanced messaging.
I called technical support and they reiterated that message and said they tried to “update” the SIM and the phone was incompatible and that we would have to buy a locked AT&T phone.
I pressed them on an official document that stated that AT&T would no longer support that and they said there was none. Additionally, they said all of the calls they have been getting on this issue were unlocked phones.
So apparently AT&T changed something on their network which broke the voice capability for the Samsung S8+. I have several phones, and placed the same SIM into a brand new Pixel 3XL and it is working fine.
If what the store and tech support said is true, AT&T has really done their customer base a dis-service by treating them in this manner and telling them they have to buy an AT&T locked phone.
I intend to contact my State Rep on Monday and complain as well as file a Consumer complaint. They were very happy to place my Samsung S8+ on their network 2 months ago and now they say it is incompatible. this really smells like an attempt to force unlocked phone users to purchase an AT&T locked phone.
GLIMMERMAN76
ACE - Expert
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23.8K Messages
2 years ago
If the model number ends in u1 then yeah it won't work.
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paula33
New Member
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6 Messages
2 years ago
I have the same problem. ATT tells me my Samsung S8+i, bought in France is uncompatible with their technology in San Juan, Puerto Rico. No service at all. My phone is 4G compatible.....
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formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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113.2K Messages
2 years ago
@paula33
It has nothing to do with your data connection which may be 4G LTE and still connected. The problem is your phone was defaulting to 3g for phone calls. Now that 3-g is shut off your phone cannot make or receive phone calls.
You either need to replace the phone or switch to T-Mobile
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paula33
New Member
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6 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I'm here for a long holiday. I'll try to select T mobile manually and see if it works.......
Very kind of you.
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paula33
New Member
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6 Messages
2 years ago
The answer is no. I cannot select T mobile manually. Bad luck...
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joeldf
ACE - Guru
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1.1K Messages
2 years ago
@paula33
What did you mean by "select T-Mobile manually"? How did you even think that would work?
These phones use SIM cards provided by the carrier that only works with the carrier you got it from, and uses the network you paid for once properly activated.
If you want a different carrier, you have to go to one of that carrier's stores and get one of their SIM cards with a phone line (pay for service), then insert that SIM card into the phone. Then you would need to activate the SIM, likely go online, find the activation page, input the IMEI and new phone number, then the network will hunt for the phone and activate the SIM.
There... new service.
That's what @formerlyknownas meant. You have to go out and find a T-Mobile store to start new service with that device.
(edited)
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paula33
New Member
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6 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks for your reply. I also tried to select 3g only manually but was useless. There' s no 3g in PR anymore. I pay a service in France and I bought a phone which is 4G compatible for this trip because I know there's no service here for my Huawei. ATT has an agreement with Free my carrier in France to give me roaming service in the USA.
This is abusive.
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GLIMMERMAN76
ACE - Expert
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23.8K Messages
2 years ago
ATT no longer has service in Puerto Rico. They sold it off over 1.5 years ago. That is part of your problem. Your carrier never updated it roaming agreements with Liberty the company that bought out ATT.
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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224.9K Messages
2 years ago
We understand the confusion around the 3G phase out, @paula33.
If you were advised that your device is no longer compatible with our network, then you'll have to get a new one to continue using your AT&T service.
We're offering a free phone to all impacted customers. Here's how to redeem yours:
For additional help while you're out of the country, please call +1.314.925.6925.
Thanks for contacting our Community Forums!
Sydne, AT&T Community Specialist
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blingenfelter
New Member
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11 Messages
2 years ago
If someone figures out a workaround SIM for all these affect phones, they'll make $$MILLIONS!!!
I'd jump in a heartbeat.
This is stupid.... not cancelling 3G (that's inevitable)... cancelling all these phones that actually have 4G, 5G, LTE and VoLTE capability that somehow don't work, now.
It's glaringly obvious that AT&T just wants everyone to have to buy a new phone from them.
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