Deutsche Telekom has announced plans to retire its 2G technology by the end of June 2028.
The company aims to enhance connectivity by gradually phasing out the outdated 2G service. The complete shutdown is scheduled for June 30, 2028, making Deutsche Telekom the first mobile network operator in Germany to set a definitive timeline for discontinuing 2G. This move intends to pave the way for more advanced and faster network technologies, addressing the growing demands of modern users.
“With the 2G frequency spectrum that will be freed up, we can further improve our network,” said Abdu Mudesir, Chief Technology Officer at Telekom Deutschland GmbH. “We want fast data transmission for everyone—and we want it everywhere. That’s why we will use the frequencies in our network for 4G and 5G in the future to make mobile surfing even better, especially in rural areas.”
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5G for Modernized Networks
Deutsche Telekom introduced 5G to its network in 2019, bringing next-generation mobile technology to users. Over 97% of the German population enjoys the network’s remarkable speed and capacity.
The company plans to extend 5G coverage to 99% of the population by the end of 2025, as it remains committed to ongoing network expansion and improvement.
Deutsche Telekom plans to repurpose the 900 MHz frequency range currently occupied by 2G to support more advanced mobile technologies in the future.
As part of its ongoing network modernization, the company will extend 4G and 5G coverage to areas that currently rely solely on 2G, even before the legacy network is decommissioned. Alongside the old 2G frequencies, additional spectrum will be utilized to enhance data services in regions previously limited to voice calls. Following the 2G shutdown, the freed-up 900 MHz spectrum will be dedicated to new technologies, further boosting network performance.
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Most Deutsche Telekom customers already use 4G and 5G networks and will benefit from upcoming improvements. Older devices lacking 4G (LTE) support will no longer function after the transition and will need timely replacement. Upgrading will bring enhanced voice calls with clearer sound, due to VoLTE and 5G VoNR technology, which also reduces background noise in noisy settings.
For those who prefer button-operated phones, VoLTE-supported models are available, making it easy for all users to switch. Newer devices also offer faster data transmission, improving the experience when sharing photos or streaming media.
For IoT devices that previously relied on 2G and 3G networks, Deutsche Telekom noted a significant shift towards more advanced technologies. Providers have increasingly adopted 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, which deliver reliable data transmission, even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Deutsche Telekom emphasized the need for providers and users to take immediate action to ensure all devices function properly after the 2G shutdown, advising them to prepare for the replacement of outdated radio modules. The company also pointed out that timely planning can lead to more cost-effective replacements, particularly for devices or systems with long-term service cycles.