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ZDNET's key takeaways
T-Mobile will reportedly retire its 4G LTE network.
Mobile phone users should have a gradual transition.
The news comes as T-Mobile is promoting T-Satellite with Starlink.
It appears that T-Mobile is preparing to retire its 4G LTE service. According to a leaked internal document obtained by Android Authority, the shift will be gradual, but it marks an end to the LTE era for T-Mobile customers. At the same time, T-Mobile keeps adding new features to its satellite phone service: T-Satellite with Starlink.
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.
What to expect
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.
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