T-Cell has clarified its place concerning the way forward for its 4G LTE community after experiences steered that clients utilizing LTE-only or early 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA) telephones would quickly have to improve. Whereas preliminary info indicated a potential early phase-out of 4G companies, the corporate has since confirmed {that a} full shutdown continues to be years away.
In keeping with Anushka Bishen, T-Cell’s Senior Communications Supervisor, the provider continues to judge its sources however has no speedy plans to discontinue LTE. Bishen emphasised that an LTE shutdown is “years and years” sooner or later, noting that T-Cell’s present infrastructure has sufficient capability to satisfy trendy information calls for. The corporate will finally consolidate older applied sciences like LTE to make means for superior networks resembling 5G Standalone (5G SA) and future wi-fi improvements.
(Picture: The Cell Report)
Initially, inside paperwork obtained by The Cell Report steered that T-Cell was making ready to start winding down its LTE community beginning in 2026, with a full transition largely full by 2028. The method would contain reallocating LTE spectrum bands—together with 2, 4/66, 12, and 71 MHz—to newer 5G NR bands (n2 and n66), enhancing community effectivity and 5G efficiency.
By 2028, LTE companies are anticipated to stay operational solely in a minimal capability—about a single 5 MHz channel—leading to considerably lowered protection and capability. T-Cell is anticipated to keep up restricted LTE assist till 2035, primarily for legacy gadgets and IoT purposes, however with noticeably degraded efficiency.
The transition will start steadily, with enterprise clients affected first. Beginning January 1, 2026, T-Cell plans to cease approving most new LTE and 5G NSA activations. Current LTE contracts won’t be prolonged past 2035, signaling a agency dedication to a full 5G ecosystem.
Regardless of the eventual shutdown, most shoppers are unlikely to be affected. Since 2019, practically all new smartphones have been 5G-compatible, and T-Cell could provide free or discounted upgrades to clients nonetheless utilizing older gadgets—much like what it did throughout its 2G community retirement earlier in 2025.
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