I have an iPhone 7 that was given to me back around September, no issues then around Jan. 23, I started having reception randomly dropping from 2 bars to 1, or sometimes 3 to 2 which escalated to randomly dropping out entirely. Weather had been bad on and off so I figured it was related. Then the 31st I had to make a call for 1st time since issues started, usually I just text, and it said my phone was deactivated and I was like WTH? I paid the bill. Called carrier and they said it was not deactivated and tried to resolve but couldn't and then sent me to a higher technical department who found an error and fixed it. I also updated the phone then and briefly the signal seemed fixed but then same thing happened. Called, automated system said IT found an error and fixed it. Again, briefly seemed to do better. Sure enough it started up again. Called back and lower technical department couldn't fix it and resolve it so again referred me higher where they told me to check my iOS was updated, I explained I already did but he insisted so I did and he said it should be like 16.x and I'm like no, iPhone 7 isn't on the same update and he said this was why I had problems because its behind and I should talk to Apple. However I'm like its been pretty much behind the newest ones the whole time and no problem... So, with my doubts, I called a local phone repair and asked him if this is true. He said basically the carrier was right only he explained it better. People with newer devices with the newer updates are going to be given service priority by carriers as well, so basically I’m probably at the bottom of the hay pile as my iPhone is older and doesn’t get 16.x updates He also said it’s likely that my girlfriend’s theory of congestion was right in a way as well cause probably newer devices have been added through gifts or upgrades and so therefore they will be prioritized over me as well because of being new. Another friend said he meant like back when everybody had to get new devices because the old ones would no longer work on the network, that I get but thats not the case here for sure. I didn't even HAVE a smartphone back then got my 1st one after that. So, now I am just completely confused and bewildered. If this is true wouldn't there be a ton of stuff on the iPhone 7 dropping signal and wouldn't it be even worse on say iPhone 6 or 5? And it happens some outside but nowhere near as bad as indoors. So, I'm here, hoping you guys can confirm this or not. Its only my 3rd smartphone in 3 years as the first one was very cheap and tore up in a year and a half, the second was a cheap one and a total POS, then my girlfriend gave me the iPhone which is a huge upgrade so I'm literally behind in smartphone & iPhone experience.