Your IoT devices may still rely on LTE, but the clock is ticking. T Mobile has announced plans to retire most of its LTE spectrum by 2028 and keep only a thin compatibility lane until 2035. Developers building connected devices need to prepare now.
Key milestones to watch
- 2026: Business customers will need special approval to activate new LTE‑only or 5G NSA devices. Start auditing your inventory now.
- 2028: T Mobile intends to refarm most LTE carriers to 5G, leaving only a compatibility lane. Expect noticeable congestion for any devices still on LTE.
- 2035: The remaining 5 MHz of LTE will be shut down, ending support for all LTE‑only devices.
What this means for developers
1. Stop shipping LTE‑only modules
If your hardware roadmap includes LTE Cat‑1, Cat‑M1 or NB‑IoT modules that lack 5G SA fallback, reconsider. Once the LTE lanes shrink, these devices could suffer from high latency and intermittent connectivity in dense areas. Look for 5G RedCap modules that support reduced‑capacity 5G – they offer similar battery life to LTE Cat‑1 with better longevity.
2. Prefer 5G Standalone (SA) over Non‑Standalone (NSA)
Many early “5G” modules actually use NSA mode, anchoring to LTE for control channels. But as those LTE anchors disappear, NSA devices will also degrade. Make sure your firmware and radio modules support SA mode on T Mobile’s NR bands. Newer chipsets (Qualcomm’s X62, MediaTek’s T830, etc.) offer SA with lower power profiles.
3. Plan your rollout by geography
T Mobile’s refarming will proceed market by market. Rural regions may retain LTE longer, while urban centres could see bands refarmed quickly to meet demand. Use coverage maps and field tests to prioritise where to deploy 5G‑ready hardware first.
4. Test network behaviour under refarmed conditions
During the transition, T Mobile will keep one narrow LTE carrier for compatibility. Under load, that carrier may experience high latency and packet loss. Run tests using network simulators or in live markets where refarming has begun to observe how your devices handle retries, timeouts and fallback.
5. Update firmware and cloud back‑ends
Ensure devices can prioritise 5G SA networks via PLMN and band‑selection settings. Many modules allow OTA updates to change preferred radio modes. On the cloud side, monitor connection logs to detect devices lingering on LTE and trigger alerts for customer outreach.
Don’t forget the long tail
Even with a 2035 end date for LTE, migrations take time. Large fleets – think delivery trucks, industrial sensors and asset trackers – require coordinated hardware refreshes, recertification and logistic planning. Work with your suppliers to lock in 5G‑capable SKUs and plan pilot deployments during 2026‑2027. Avoid renewing long‑term contracts for LTE‑only service.
Final thoughts
T Mobile’s LTE sunset is part of a broader industry move towards 5G‑first networks. For IoT developers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing 5G SA and designing for longevity, you can ensure your products continue to function reliably through 2035 and beyond. Don’t wait for the final shutdown – start testing, certifying and rolling out 5G‑ready solutions today.
