T-Mobile, one of the leading wireless carriers in the United States, is preparing to phase out its LTE 4G wireless service in favor of expanding its 5G network, according to a leaked internal document obtained by The Mobile Report. This move follows the carrier’s recent completion of its 2G and 3G network shutdowns, with the 2G network lingering until February 2025 due to delays caused by slow Internet of Things (IoT) upgrades in the business sector and complications from the Sprint acquisition. Now, T-Mobile is setting its sights on retiring LTE, marking a significant step toward a 5G-dominated future.
Update: In a statement to Cord Cutters News a T-Mobile spokesperson said: “We’re always evaluating the best and most efficient use of the assets that make T-Mobile the Best Mobile Network in America. Someday far in the future – years and years from now – we’ll likely consolidate older technologies like LTE to make room for the latest and greatest, including 5G and beyond. For now, the T-Mobile network — with its extensive LTE footprint and industry-leading 5G, has more than enough capacity to handle the heavy data demands of the modern wireless user.”
The document reveals that T-Mobile plans to “re-farm” its existing LTE spectrum to 5G over the next two years. This process involves repurposing the frequencies currently used for LTE to broadcast 5G signals, effectively replacing the older technology with the newer, faster standard. T-Mobile’s 5G network primarily operates on two frequency bands: the 600 MHz n71 band for broader coverage and the 2500 MHz n41 band for higher speeds. On the LTE side, bands 2, 4/66, 12, and some 71 are still in use, but these will gradually transition to 5G, with band 2 becoming n2 and band 4/66 becoming n66. To accommodate legacy IoT devices, such as ATMs and vehicle infotainment systems, T-Mobile will maintain a minimal 5 MHz-wide LTE channel nationwide until at least 2035.
For most consumers, the transition is unlikely to cause significant disruption. Since 2020, 5G compatibility has been standard in smartphones, meaning the majority of users already own devices capable of connecting to T-Mobile’s 5G network. However, certain older 5G devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and LG V50 ThinQ, rely on 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) technology, which requires both LTE and 5G signals to function. These devices do not support 5G Standalone (SA), potentially necessitating upgrades within the next two years. Similarly, LTE-only flip phones, including a TCL model currently sold by T-Mobile, will also require replacement as LTE coverage diminishes.
The phase-out will also impact T-Mobile’s Home Internet service. Initially launched in April 2021, the service’s 5G gateways relied on 5G NSA. A software update earlier this year enabled 5G SA functionality, ensuring these gateways remain operational as LTE is phased out. Without this update, the gateways would have faced obsolescence.
The document, primarily aimed at business customers, outlines a timeline for the LTE retirement. While no specific start date is provided, the process is expected to begin soon and conclude by 2028, leaving only the 5 MHz LTE channel. By 2035, even this remaining LTE sliver will be discontinued. Starting in January 2026, T-Mobile will require special exceptions for business customers to activate LTE-only or 5G NSA-only devices, and new business contracts guaranteeing LTE access cannot extend beyond 2035. Standard consumer restrictions may follow, though details remain unclear.
This shift underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to advancing its 5G infrastructure, aligning with industry trends as competitors like Verizon and AT&T are likely to follow suit. For most users, the transition should be seamless, but those with LTE-only devices are advised to plan upgrades to avoid future connectivity issues. While the phase-out is happening sooner than anticipated, the decade-long runway for the final LTE shutdown provides ample time for adaptation. The move signals a broader industry push toward 5G, promising faster speeds and improved network efficiency for the future.
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