Second-generation wireless telephone technology, also known as 2G, was commercially launched at Finland by Radiolinja in 1991. 2G technology allows a user to send text messages, picture message and multimedia messages (MMS). All messages using the 2G technology are all digitally encrypted, which means that only the intended receiver can the read the messages.

But with the focus now on developing the 5G technology, many telephone service providers are starting to cut their 2G technology services. Telstra shutdown its 2G services last December 1, 2016. Other companies such as Potus, Vodafone and StarHub will shut down its 2G this year.

And according to AT&T Innovation Blog, AT&T officially shuts down its 2G wireless networks on January 1, 2017. The move was made to free up spectrum for newer technologies.

Shutting down 2G services will also allow AT&T to focus on the support of massive growth of mobile internet services, as further discussed by AT&T Innovation Blog. And with the 2G services now discontinued, AT&T could now focus on their 5G Evolution Plan.

AT&T announced its shut down of 2G technology 4 years ago. And during those times, the company encouraged its 2G users to switch to newer mobile technologies. They also offered discounts and free devices to eligible customers.

Since 2007, AT&T's data usage on the network has raised to a whopping 250,000 percent. And the discontinued service of AT&T on their 2G services will impact some of its subscribers. But the company said that they made some effort to migrate those people who will be affected by the shutdown. Of their 4 million 2G connections as of third quarter of 2016, AT&T managed to migrate around 2 million subscribers.

In response to AT&T's 2G shutdown, rival T-Mobile made a new promotion last month. The promotion offers AT&T Mobility IoT customers a free 2G services throughout the year and free sim card. Another service included in the promotion is that each device will be given up to 50MB per month, as per DIGITAL TRENDS.

T-Mobile will be providing 2G services until 2020. Rogers Wireless will provide 2G services until 2018 while Swisscom will shut down its 2G services on January 1, 2021.

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