Deutsche Telekom to Phase Out 2G by 2028 for Enhanced 4G and 5G Services

October 30, 2024

Image Credit: Pixabay

Deutsche Telekom to Phase Out 2G by 2028 for Enhanced 4G and 5G Services

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its 4G and 5G networks, Deutsche Telekom plans to phase out its aging 2G network by June 30, 2028. This strategic decision will allow the company to reallocate the 900 MHz spectrum currently used for 2G to strengthen its more advanced 4G and 5G services. By shutting down the 2G network, Deutsche Telekom aims to enhance data transmission speeds and reliability, especially in rural areas where connectivity often lags behind urban centers. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader objective of providing faster and more comprehensive data services to a majority of its customers. Presently, the company’s 5G network covers over 97% of Germany, with plans to expand this coverage to 99% by 2025.

Reallocating the 900 MHz spectrum is expected to yield substantial improvements in both 4G and 5G services, particularly in regions with limited coverage. As the 2G network becomes obsolete, phones without 4G capabilities will no longer be functional, necessitating an upgrade for affected users. Deutsche Telekom currently operates 12,800 5G antennas across 950 cities, primarily utilizing the 3.6 GHz band. The company also plans to roll out its 5G Standalone (5G SA) service later this year, making it available to private consumers. While business customers are already benefiting from 5G SA features like network slicing, this new move aims to extend such advantages to a broader customer base.

Enhanced Spectrum Utilization

In a significant move to bolster its 4G and 5G networks, Deutsche Telekom will phase out its aging 2G network by June 30, 2028. This strategic decision enables the company to reallocate the 900 MHz spectrum currently used for 2G, enhancing its more advanced services. By shutting down 2G, Deutsche Telekom aims to improve data transmission speeds and reliability, particularly in rural areas where connectivity often lags behind urban centers. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader objective of delivering faster and more comprehensive data services to the majority of its customers. Currently, the 5G network covers over 97% of Germany, with plans to reach 99% coverage by 2025.

Reallocating the 900 MHz spectrum is expected to significantly improve both 4G and 5G services, especially in regions with limited coverage. As 2G becomes obsolete, older phones without 4G capabilities will need upgrades. Presently, Deutsche Telekom operates 12,800 5G antennas across 950 cities, primarily on the 3.6 GHz band. The company also plans to launch its 5G Standalone (5G SA) service later this year for private consumers. While business customers are already benefiting from 5G SA features like network slicing, this new initiative aims to extend such advantages to a broader customer base.

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