"As one service grows, 4G shrinks. The internal roadmap reveals that T-Mobile has scheduled the re-framing of key LTE bands, specifically bands 2, 4/66, 12, and 71, for exclusive use by its expanding 5G service. While LTE won't vanish overnight, its coverage and performance will slowly degrade as bandwidth is reallocated. By 2028, most LTE channels are expected to be decommissioned. By 2035, LTE will be fully shut down nationwide."
"Starting January 2026, T-Mobile will only allow new device activations if they support true 5G Standalone (SA) mode. LTE and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) devices will require exception requests for activation. In two years, only a narrow 5 MHz LTE channel will remain, marking a substantial reduction in the LTE footprint. The good news is smartphone owners are unlikely to experience major service disruptions -- the transition should be gradual. Future device upgrades are expected to support improved 5G range and reliability."
T-Mobile will retire its 4G LTE network gradually, reallocating key LTE bands (2, 4/66, 12, 71) to exclusive 5G use. The plan phases out most LTE channels by 2028 and completes nationwide shutdown by 2035. Starting January 2026, new device activations will require true 5G Standalone (SA) support, with LTE and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) devices needing exceptions. Within two years the LTE footprint will shrink to a single narrow 5 MHz channel. Smartphone users with modern 5G-capable devices should see minimal disruption, while legacy-phone users and businesses relying on 4G routers for IoT, medical, or manufacturing services will face significant challenges. T-Mobile is also expanding T-Satellite features with Starlink.
Read at ZDNET
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