As of August 3, 2026, T-Mobile's 2G GSM network will be retired

5 hours ago

T-Mobile is retiring older network technologies (2G GSM, 3G UMTS, Sprint LTE, etc.) to transition customers to modern 5G networks.
Customers on older networks will need compatible devices to access faster speeds, reliable coverage, and new capabilities like T-Satellite.
Network security standards will update on April 1, 2026; older devices may face service disruptions.
Key dates: 2G GSM retirement on August 3, 2026; 3G UMTS retired July 1, 2022; Sprint LTE retired June 30, 2022; Sprint 3G CDMA retired March 31, 2022.
T-Mobile provides notifications and support for customers and businesses to upgrade devices and ensure seamless transition.

The author's home network uses entirely Ubiquity hardware for a balance of power-user features and ease of use, acknowledging it's overkill for average homes.
Router: Cloud Gateway Fiber with three 10 Gbps ports and PoE+; AP: U7 Pro XG (WiFi 7) with 10 Gbps uplink; Switch: Flex 2.5G connected via fiber for 10 Gbps link.
DNS uses Pi-Hole on a Raspberry Pi 3b with Unbound, selectively enabled to avoid guest issues; VPN via WireGuard on router for remote access to Pi-Hole and admin console.

T-Mobile forced migration to new plans caused loss of free-line promotions for some customers.
The company admitted technical errors and is working to fix them, ensuring promotions are restored.
Some customers faced price hikes of $6 per line, with potential higher increases if free lines are not reinstated.

3GPP Release 19 was completed on schedule at the end of December 2025, marking the second 5G-Advanced release.
It balances continuity and innovation, consolidating earlier releases while setting the stage for future work.
5G-Advanced will remain the focus of Release 20 in 2026 for commercial needs, while also initiating first 6G studies.

Microsoft is retiring SMS and voice as MFA methods provided by Microsoft in Entra ID, with complete retirement by February 1, 2027.
Passkeys will become the default sign-in method starting September 1, 2026, where users enabled for SMS/voice will be auto-enabled for passkeys.
After February 1, 2027, users with only SMS or voice as MFA will face a blocking prompt to register a passkey, with no opt-out.

SpaceX has applied to the FCC for permission to launch 100,000 third-generation (Gen3) Starlink satellites, promising multi-gigabit symmetrical broadband with ultra-low latency.
Current Starlink speeds are lower than advertised, with typical downloads around 145-170 Mbps and uploads under 40 Mbps, but it remains crucial for rural areas lacking fiber internet.
Gen3 satellites, weighing over 2,000 kg, will require launches via Starship or Falcon Heavy rockets and aim to serve consumers, enterprises, governments, and AI-powered devices globally.

The author's home network uses entirely Ubiquity hardware for a balance of power-user features and ease of use, acknowledging it's overkill for average homes.
Router: Cloud Gateway Fiber with three 10 Gbps ports and PoE+; AP: U7 Pro XG (WiFi 7) with 10 Gbps uplink; Switch: Flex 2.5G connected via fiber for 10 Gbps link.
DNS uses Pi-Hole on a Raspberry Pi 3b with Unbound, selectively enabled to avoid guest issues; VPN via WireGuard on router for remote access to Pi-Hole and admin console.

T-Mobile forced migration to new plans caused loss of free-line promotions for some customers.
The company admitted technical errors and is working to fix them, ensuring promotions are restored.
Some customers faced price hikes of $6 per line, with potential higher increases if free lines are not reinstated.

3GPP Release 19 was completed on schedule at the end of December 2025, marking the second 5G-Advanced release.
It balances continuity and innovation, consolidating earlier releases while setting the stage for future work.
5G-Advanced will remain the focus of Release 20 in 2026 for commercial needs, while also initiating first 6G studies.

Microsoft is retiring SMS and voice as MFA methods provided by Microsoft in Entra ID, with complete retirement by February 1, 2027.
Passkeys will become the default sign-in method starting September 1, 2026, where users enabled for SMS/voice will be auto-enabled for passkeys.
After February 1, 2027, users with only SMS or voice as MFA will face a blocking prompt to register a passkey, with no opt-out.

SpaceX has applied to the FCC for permission to launch 100,000 third-generation (Gen3) Starlink satellites, promising multi-gigabit symmetrical broadband with ultra-low latency.
Current Starlink speeds are lower than advertised, with typical downloads around 145-170 Mbps and uploads under 40 Mbps, but it remains crucial for rural areas lacking fiber internet.
Gen3 satellites, weighing over 2,000 kg, will require launches via Starship or Falcon Heavy rockets and aim to serve consumers, enterprises, governments, and AI-powered devices globally.

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