okay. I ignored messages (evidently warnings) from my mobile phone service. HELP?

[Grasswire2]

I did not know about the big shift coming in just days now to eliminate less superior phones.

Today I could not access phone service or texting. My plan is a Kroger plan. Phones were purchased through Kroger several years ago.

So today I bought two phones (my daughter and myself) at the Kroger store. Now I realize I don't have the know-how to activate!

These new phones use a T-Mobile plan. I don't really want to switch off Kroger plan.

So I likely have to take these phones back to the store, and ask them for something compatible with my Kroger plan??

Any hints, anyone?

I can't even call 9-11 if I need it, evidently.

[Phoenix61]

1. This is what is happening.

“Existing customers: if you have been contacted via text that you need to move to the GSM LTE network, please take action before 3/28/2022! You must upgrade to a GSM LTE compatible phone and have it activated on your account along with a current Kroger rate plan by 03/31/2022 to avoid service termination and loss of your phone number. Login to my account to confirm your status. Explore our selection of new LTE phones.“
Take those phones back to Kroger and get the ones you need for a Kroger plan.

[Grasswire2]

8. thanks

that's pretty much what I decided to do.

I had left the phone choice today to my daughter and I didn't think of the compatibility issue until trying to activate tonight.

Love DU for this kind of help and assurance!

[pwb]

3. Mine went dead too.

You should have a little For emergency calls on the bottom of your screen? I bought a tracphone on HSN but it took a while to get it. It works great but the newer phones are bigger.

[Timewas]

4. Just so you know

Unless things have changed lately "All wireless phones, even those that are not subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier, can call 911."

Not that sure about 3g phones now but all others can do this.

[jmbar2]

6. I am at this moment going through the same process.

I have been with Republic Wireless for about 6 years. I had to order a replacement phone, and sign up for a new plan.

It has taken me about an hour and a half to figure out how to put in the sim card. My phone box came with two sim cards, but didn't say why. The video and instructions at Republic Wireless don't match my phone.

Before starting this process, I went through my old phone and deleted obsolete messages, phone numbers and photos. I am assuming there is a way to transfer this data to the new phone, and I will receive instructions how to do it.

I think I have the card installed properly, assuming I just have to install one of the two I received, and the other is just a spare? I am also charging the phone.

After that, I was directed to their website where I had to enter the ICC ID number from the sim card package, and then hit the activate button.

I am waiting to see what happens next. I'll update you.

This has been a bewildering process for me because nowhere have I found clear step-by-step instructions. People who understand tech tend to forget what it's like to be doing something with zero prior knowledge.

[Ahna KneeMoose]

7. Kroger Wireless

Phoenix61 (upthread) seems to have presented information that should be helpful for you (Grasswire2). I will attempt to add this link to 'Kroger Wireless' for you as well. Upon viewing their website, you might just be able to 'activate' your new phones by way of your computer and the link herein.

[Grasswire2]

9. thanks and welcome to DU :-) nt

[localroger]

10. It was not exactly kept a secret that this would happen

My very non-tech-savvy Dad got the notice last year at the age of 80 and while he did call me for advice about it, he clearly understood that he would have to get a new phone to keep service. They had several generous free upgrade offers and on my advice he took the Android smartphone even though his service plan did not include data, and that would continue, because on other advice of mine he finally got wifi at his home a few years ago. He has since discovered that his fancy new phone can stream video when he is in bed which is something his old flip phone couldn't do even in wifi range. (He has however also had to tell a couple of relatives that they can't use texting to send him pictures, because that doesn't work through wifi and blocks him from receiving further texts until he rejects the ones that are unable to go through without the data plan for the picture.)

[Grasswire2]

11. yes, my only excuse is that Kroger plan sends text messages repeatedly, many times a month.

I usually just ignore. The plan is paid, it works, and I don't have time nor interest in offers and ads and so on.

My fault.

[localroger]

12. Well SMS is a poor way to inform you of a sea change like no-3G any more

I think Dad got a series of emails from his provider, a local regional carrier he uses because only they have good signal at his house. But he didn't read the emails on his phone, he does his account maintenance through a computer. A phone is a poor device for doing things like online finance and bill maintenance, even if it is technically possible. In that user interface I think they were able to fit the message "3G service ending, your phone will stop working" in the title which he sees before he deletes the email.