A:AnswerIt is just the 3G phones on CDMA. All the newer phones sold now by tracfone will still work.
From a good article by Tracfonereviewer:
Why is Tracfone Shutting Down 3G and 2G CDMA Networks?
Many users are asking why Tracfone is shutting down their network and forcing them to get a new phone.
The answer is, Tracfone uses Verizon's networks, and Verizon is shutting down their 2G and 3G networks which will affect any Tracfone CDMA devices using these networks.
Verizon has been planning this closure for several years and planning accordingly by including VoLTE with the phones they sell. But Tracfone doesn't seem to have planned it out so well, with only some of their more recent phone offerings including VolTE so some users will have to get a new phone to maintain service coverage.
Why do you need a new phone to get service? The answer is VoLTE capability.
What is VoLTE and Why Do I Need It?
The term VoLTE simply stands for Voice over LTE (with 4G LTE meaning 4th Generation Long Term Evolution) which means phone calls use the LTE data networks rather than the older voice networks.
In the past (and with many of Tracfone's CDMA phones), smartphones would use the LTE networks for data, while using the 2G or 3G networks for voice calls. Only phones that are VoLTE capable can make voice calls on the 4G LTE network. Thus, with Verizon closing 2G and 3G networks, only VoLTE capable phones will be able to make calls.
Some may be asking why Verizon needs to close their 2G and 3G networks? The reasoning is that they will be able to repurpose these bands for higher speed 4G LTE and possibly 5G in the future.
A:AnswerHi. This is Katrina from TracFone Wireless. Yes. This device can be used on SafeLink Wireless, and you can download applications on this phone. The phone's weight is 6.39 (ounces) with a 13MP Rear Camera/Video Recorder and a 5MP Front Camera. It allows desktop view and needs an ejection tool to release the SD/SIM tray. Thank you!
A:AnswerHi. This is Wendy from TracFone Wireless. Yes, it is correct that regular 60-minute cards (basic plans) can be use on this phone with 60 minutes talk, text and mbs of data usage. Yes, this phone is 4G VoLTE compatible. Thank you.
A:AnswerHi Boofus. This is Ramel from TracFone Wireless. Unfortunately, no. Our branded phones are not carrier unlocked. However, the phone is Wi-Fi capable. For further questions, just chat with us at http://bit.ly/2qdrKHH. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST. You may also text the key word HELP to 611611 to view our self-service menu with a list of help key words with valuable information. Have a nice day!
A:AnswerHi. This is Arianne from TracFone Wireless. We'd like to inform you that SIM cards from our branded phones are not transferrable to another device. For further questions, please feel free to chat with us at https://www.tracfone.com/support/contact-us. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST. You can also use our self-service menu by simply texting the word HELP to 611611. Thank you.
A:AnswerHi. This is Frank from TracFone Wireless. Please know that Page Plus is an affiliated company from TracFone Wireless. If you want to activate your TracFone phone with Page Plus, you need to make sure that the phone is a Verizon certified device. Otherwise, your phone won't be activated with Page Plus. Should you have further questions or concerns, please copy this link https://www.tracfone.com/support/contact-us and paste it on a new window to chat with us. Our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST. You can also use our self-service menu by simply texting the word HELP to 611611. Thank you.
A:AnswerHi. This is Wendy from TracFone Wireless. Yes, you would be able to operate this phone without too much difficulty. If you need any help, please copy this link http://bit.ly/2qdrKHH and paste it on a new window for chat support. You may also text HELP to 611611. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST. Thank you.
A:AnswerHi. This is Katrina from TracFone Wireless. For us to further assist you, please copy this link http://bit.ly/2qdrKHH and paste it on a new window for chat support. You may also text HELP to 611611. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST. Have a great day!