MR1100 and future 4GLTE

[RedRaspberry]

Current firmware is NTG9X50C_12.05.05.12.  Running on ATT software. It is unlocked and running on a T mobile tower through Consumer Cellular.  CC is telling me it will soon be obsolete due to T mobile upgrading their service. 

Is there any way around this or do I have to purchase a new hotspot?

[RedRaspberry]

I chatted with Consumer Cellular today.  I have a warning that as of 1/31/2021 the MR1100 will no longer work on T Mobile or ATT's system.

Here is the chat session I had with them today.

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(02:36:46)	Paul: I need to upgrade my hotspot and need to know what specs are needed.
(02:36:48)	Consumer Cellular: Your chat request will be assigned to an available agent in the order it was received. Please allow just a moment.
(02:39:09)	*** Peter K. joined the chat ***
(02:39:32)	Peter K.: Thank you for contacting Consumer Cellular. My name is Peter and I'll be assisting you today. Before we begin, please give me a moment to review your issue today and then we'll get started.
(02:40:15)	Peter K.: Hi, Paul. Thanks for chatting with us. I can certainly help you today. In order to verify the account, may I have the last 4 of the account holder's social? Please provide only the last 4 numbers. Also, can you confirm your first and last name for me please?
(02:40:35)	Paul:
(02:40:58)	Peter K.: Thank you.
(02:41:46)	Peter K.: We actually stopped selling hot spot devices as most smartphones today have that feature already programmed into them.
(02:42:33)	Paul: Yes I know. I have my own hotspot and need one with an Ethernet output.
(02:42:53)	Peter K.: I understand, but we do not sell any newer models.
(02:43:28)	Paul: I know. But what is it with my current model that makes it soon to be obsolete?
(02:43:55)	Paul: I need to now what the spec is that is obsolete.
(02:44:20)	Peter K.: It's operating on 3g technology. Carriers across the country are shutting down their 3g networks.
(02:44:32)	Paul: It is never used for phone calls. It is all data.
(02:44:34)	Peter K.: SO it's not the device, it's the network that's going out.
(02:44:57)	Paul: So the 4G LTE is going out?
(02:47:42)	Peter K.: No, only 3g
(02:48:02)	Peter K.: After the shutdown there will only be 4gLTE and 5g
(02:48:48)	Paul: So my device is 3g/4g capable. Will it still be working?
(02:49:56)	Peter K.: I checked, and the hotspot device will be affected by the shutdown.
(02:51:07)	Paul: So I guess any hotspot that is 3G capable will not be any good? They have to be 4G/5G? That is what I need to know.
(02:51:36)	Peter K.: Yes, any 3g device will be inoperable after the shutdown.
(02:52:22)	Paul: This is on the T Mobile line. Is this also true for the AT&T line?
(02:52:50)	Peter K.: Yes.

****************************************************

Here is the message I get.

[BrianP82]

That seems strange that the device would stop working of 3G spectrum goes offline. The device should still connect to LTE. They can't disable the device they don't own it.
I'm betting they are just trying to get you to buy a new hotspot.

[RedRaspberry]

I chatted again and made sure they were talking about a router and then they come back with well it's more for phones and that's just an automated message.  So I guess we will find out on Feb 1 2021......