T-Mobile may be the first carrier to phase out 4G
8 hours ago
- #5G
- #LTE
- #T-Mobile
- T-Mobile is planning to retire its 4G LTE network gradually.
- Key LTE bands (2, 4/66, 12, 71) will be repurposed for 5G by 2028, with full shutdown by 2035.
- Starting January 2026, only 5G Standalone (SA) devices will be activated; LTE/5G NSA devices require exceptions.
- A narrow 5 MHz LTE channel will remain after two years, significantly reducing LTE coverage.
- Smartphone users should experience a smooth transition, but IoT and business users may face disruptions.
- T-Mobile is leading the 4G shutdown, unlike AT&T and Verizon, which have not announced similar plans.
- T-Mobile's T-Satellite service with Starlink now supports apps like WhatsApp, X, Google Maps, and AccuWeather.