3G, 4G, and old phones - The push for e-waste?

Good evening.

Being a citizen of the not-so-great United States, I see all of our mobile providers here pushing for 5G networks. However, what they don't tell you is that by shutting down the 3G network, an entire generation of old, yet perfectly working electronics are essentially useless, so we can all get the same addicting glass rectangles. Even some 4G devices are affected by the lack of 3G in the nation, as my phone, the LGD486(blog about that) cannot connect to the network. 

I don't know what I need to do to get the network working on the phone, but I will try everything short of getting another phone. I am determined to make this work by any means, so any suggestions are on the table.

As for the shutdown of 3G, I don't get why they would do this. I know it's outdated(the call tech is literally from the 90s!), and sure the towers probably cost some upkeep, but seriously? A whole generation of technology is now outcast, at least where I live. What I'd give to be somewhere with 2G and 3G networks... imagine the wacky phones I could get working properly.

Speaking of 2G, why haven't I mentioned it here? Well, from what I can gather, T-Mobile has yet to shut down all of their 2G towers. They made a statement that they were going to phase them out, but I believe there are still a small portion of them hanging around. Hey, if you are on T-Mobile's 2G network, let me know!

All of this to say, I just cannot stand abandonware and e-waste. What happens to all of our 4G phones whenever say 6G rolls out? Probably a similar fate. I don't expect much from the greedy overlords to care about old phones. You NEED the latest stuff or you WILL be left out, I guess. Was left out from the get-go after my old phone screen died.

Anyone have similar feelings? Suggestions for my LG phone? Leave a comment, I'll reply :)

Farrah_Day signing off.