AT&T has discontinued 2G wireless service starting Jan. 1, 2017, company announced in a blog this week. Company had announced plan to shut down the 2G network 4 years ago.

Today, AT&T's 3G and 4G LTE networks cover 99% of Americans. By shutting down 2G network, this frees up more spectrum for future network technologies, including 5G. In the next few months, complany plan to repurpose that spectrum for LTE, states John Donovan - Chief Strategy Officer and Group President – AT&T Technology and Operations.

Newer, faster technologies will improve the wireless experience. IoT customers will be able to better serve their customers with improved applications and solutions because of the higher speeds of the upgraded network. AT&T Mobility customers will enjoy faster speeds to share photos and watch video.