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Deutsche Telekom is the first mobile network provider in Germany to announce that it will finally switch off the 2G network in summer 2028. This step marks the end of an era, as the 2G network, which was introduced around 30 years ago, was a revolutionary technology for a long time. However, the time has now come to make room for the modern 4G and 5G mobile communications standards.
The shutdown of the 2G network is part of Telekom’s ongoing network modernization. The company plans to use the freed-up frequencies in the 900 MHz band to improve the performance and network coverage of the newer technologies. This should lead to faster surfing and better voice quality, especially in rural areas. Telecommunications customers can look forward to greater network stability and faster data transmission, as the previous 2G bandwidth will now be available for more modern applications.
Despite the shutdown of the 2G network, Deutsche Telekom wants to ensure that there are no dead spots. The network is already being upgraded to 4G and 5G in regions that previously only had 2G. This means that these areas will also have access to more powerful mobile networks.
However, the shutdown of 2G will also have an impact on users of older mobile devices. People who still use 2G cell phones will have to switch to new devices. However, Telekom assures that this is not only necessary, but also has advantages: New devices offer better voice quality, faster data transmission and additional features that users can benefit from.
The new mobile communications standards LTE-M and narrowband IoT will also replace the previous 2G connections in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine communication (M2M). Deutsche Telekom’s business customers who rely on these technologies will receive intensive support in the coming years to ensure a smooth transition. The early notification of the switch-off is intended to give companies enough time to adapt their systems.
Deutsche Telekom sees the shutdown of the 2G network as an important step towards ensuring the best mobile communications experience for its customers. The modernization of the network continues and the aim is to provide 99% of the German population with access to 5G by 2025. Network coverage is currently over 97%, so Deutsche Telekom is confident that it will achieve its goals.
With the shutdown of 2G, Deutsche Telekom is living up to its claim of promoting technological progress and shaping the mobile communications of the future.
