Deutsche Telekom has announced plans to retire its 2G mobile network in the summer of 2028.
According to the carrier, it expects to completely switch off the network by June 30, 2028.
The telco said it will reutilize the 900 MHz spectrum from the 2G network into its 4G and 5G networks.
"With the 2G frequency spectrum that will be freed up, we can further improve our network," says 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."
DT previously shutdown its 3G mobile network back in 2021, again focusing spectrum from this network into its 4G and 5G networks.
The telco launched its 2G network around three decades ago.
DT noted that areas that have so far only been covered by 2G, but not by 4G, will receive 4G/5G coverage as part of the ongoing network modernization even before the 2G network is switched off.
Since launching its 5G network in 2019, the carrier has extended its 5G coverage to 97 percent of the German population. By the end of next year, the carrier said it wants to reach 99 percent coverage.
DT added that customers should ensure they are ready for the 2G shutdown ahead of time. The company also stated that IoT devices are most likely to be affected, with many household appliances, vehicles, or alarm systems often connected to the technology.
