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T-Mobile to Phase Out LTE by 2028, Shift to 5G

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

T-Mobile plans to retire LTE by 2028, phasing it out over two years and shifting spectrum to 5G Standalone.
A leaked document shows most spectrum redirected to 5G Standalone.
From January 1, 2026, activations of LTE or 5G NSA require business approval.
A single 5 MHz LTE channel remains through 2035. Service may be degraded. 2019–2020 devices may require upgrades.

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Story summary

T-Mobile plans to retire LTE by 2028, phasing it out over two years and shifting spectrum to 5G Standalone.
A leaked document shows most spectrum redirected to 5G Standalone.
From January 1, 2026, activations of LTE or 5G NSA require business approval.
A single 5 MHz LTE channel remains through 2035. Service may be degraded. 2019–2020 devices may require upgrades.