T-Mobile to Begin Phasing Out 4G LTE Network: Reallocating Spectrum for 5G Expansion

T-Mobile to Begin Phasing Out 4G LTE Network: Reallocating Spectrum for 5G Expansion

October 6, 2025 — U.S. wireless carrier T-Mobile is preparing to launch an ambitious plan to gradually retire its LTE network over the next two years, reallocating existing 4G spectrum to expand its 5G infrastructure, according to a report from The Mobile Report.

This move follows the previous shutdown of 2G and 3G networks by all three major U.S. carriers. T-Mobile was notably the last to discontinue its 2G service, finally shutting it down in February 2025.

The carrier’s network retirement schedule has faced multiple delays due to complications from integrating Sprint following their merger and the slow pace of upgrading enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

T-Mobile to Begin Phasing Out 4G LTE Network: Reallocating Spectrum for 5G Expansion

Spectrum Reallocation Strategy

According to leaked internal documents, T-Mobile plans to complete its LTE spectrum “reallocation” over the next two years, repurposing existing 4G frequencies for 5G transmission. Currently, the carrier primarily operates 5G services on two frequency bands: 600MHz (n71), which offers broad coverage, and 2500MHz (n41), which provides higher data speeds.

T-Mobile’s LTE network currently operates across multiple bands, including Band 2, Band 4/66, Band 12, and portions of Band 71. These frequencies will gradually transition to 5G use, with Band 2 converting to n2 and Band 4/66 converting to n66. As LTE coverage decreases, 5G coverage will correspondingly expand to fill the gap.

Importantly, the documents reveal that T-Mobile will maintain one 5MHz-wide LTE channel nationwide until at least 2035. This residual network is designed to support legacy IoT devices that still depend on LTE connectivity, such as ATMs and vehicle infotainment systems.

Limited Impact on Consumers

For most consumers, the transition should have minimal impact. Since 2020, virtually all smartphones sold in the market have included 5G capability. However, owners of early 5G devices that only support NSA (Non-Standalone) architecture—such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and LG V50 ThinQ—may need to upgrade within the next two years, as these devices still require LTE connectivity to function properly.

T-Mobile has already taken steps to prepare its home broadband service for the transition. Earlier this year, the company issued software updates to its gateway devices, enabling and forcing them to use 5G SA (Standalone) mode, ensuring these services won’t be affected by the LTE shutdown.

Retirement Timeline

The leaked documents indicate that the LTE retirement process will begin soon and roll out progressively over the next two years. By 2028, the majority of the LTE network is expected to be shut down, with only the single 5MHz channel remaining. By 2035, even this remnant LTE infrastructure will be completely decommissioned.

Starting in January 2026, enterprise customers will need special approval from T-Mobile to activate devices that only support LTE or 5G NSA. While the documents don’t specify whether similar restrictions will apply to consumer accounts, such measures may be implemented in the future. Additionally, new enterprise LTE contracts will not be permitted to extend beyond 2035.

This strategic move by T-Mobile reflects the broader industry trend toward next-generation wireless technology, as carriers seek to maximize the efficiency of their spectrum holdings and deliver faster, more reliable connectivity to customers through 5G networks.