T-Mobile Will Soon Begin LTE Phase-Out
6 hours ago
- #5G
- #LTE phase-out
- #T-Mobile
- T-Mobile has completed the phase-out of 2G and 3G networks, with their 2G network lasting until February of this year.
- T-Mobile is now focusing on retiring LTE, planning to 're-farm' LTE frequencies to 5G over the next 2+ years.
- Key LTE bands (2, 4/66, 12, and some 71) will be repurposed for 5G, with Band 2 becoming n2 and Band 4/66 becoming n66.
- A small 5 MHz-wide LTE channel will remain until at least 2035 to support legacy IoT devices like ATMs and vehicle infotainment systems.
- Most smartphone users won't be affected as 5G compatibility has been standard since 2020, but some older 5G NSA devices and LTE-only flip phones will need upgrades.
- T-Mobile Home Internet gateways have been updated to support 5G Standalone (SA), avoiding obsolescence as LTE is phased out.
- Business customers will need special exceptions to activate LTE-only or 5G NSA-only devices starting January 2026.
- The full shutdown of LTE is expected by 2035, with most LTE coverage disappearing by 2028.
- T-Mobile is the first carrier to announce LTE phase-out plans, but Verizon and AT&T may follow suit.