T-Mobile has turned off Sprint’s 2.5 GHz 5G as it incorporates the spectrum into its own network.
Since T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint, the magenta carrier has been repurposing Sprint’s spectrum to improve its own network. On the day the merger closed, T-Mobile used Sprint’s 2.5 GHz spectrum to roll out mid-band 5G in Philadelphia. Similarly, T-Mobile has been deploying Sprint’s spectrum to improve its network.
Sprint’s spectrum is exactly why T-Mobile pursued the merger, as Sprint had a wealth of mid-band spectrum. Mid-band is widely considered the sweet spot for 5G, as it offers significant speed improvements over 4G, while still providing reasonable range and building penetration.
T-Mobile’s move to shut down Sprint’s 2.5 GHz 5G network will likely accelerate Sprint customers transitioning to T-Mobile plans. According to Fierce Wireless, T-Mobile is offering impacted customers deals to help move them to compatible devices.