Yeah, I know, from what I understand it's more expensive for the network operators to maintain 2G/3G than upgrading to 4G/5G exclusively. Especially as there are fewer and fewer devices that actually use that range of the spectrum. It's a very sound decision on their part that is very hard to argue against. But, it's a shame nonetheless, I think, as it means less choice for the consumer which can have a meaningful impact.
There is also a reason why we needed to upgrade to 4G or 5G that has nothing to do with marketing or forcing upgrades...
Cellular phones operate by relaying signals tower to tower and there are a limited number of frequencies available. So, they do the smart thing and just repeat frequencies.
This is like you have the same exact house key as another person - but it is not a big deal because they live a thousand miles away.
As populations grew, roaming grew and more people began getting cell phones, this became much more of a problem. It is like your next door neighbor having the same exact key...
What the next G does is modulate frequencies in rotation, to always prevent someone else getting on your frequency.
The downside is in Medical Equipment that operates in 3G service...
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