Update, January 12, (7:30 pm ET): T-Mobile publishes support page for customers potentially affected by the network change.
What you need to know
- T-Mobile is expected to begin informing subscribers that their devices will no longer be supported on its network.
- The devices in question are fairly old, with the latest model being from 2016.
- Support will apparently end on January 29th, 2021.
T-Mobile is making a shocking move by ending support for nearly 20 devices early next year. Or, at least it would be shocking if the devices were any more recent than 2016. According to leaked internal documents obtained by Android Police, T-Mobile plans to inform subscribers of the change soon, as the following devices will be cut off from the network on January 29th:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T model)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon model)
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle
- HTC Desire 650
- Google Nexus 9
- Huawei Mate 8
- Huawei P9
- Mikrotikls SIA_R11e-LTE6
- Netgear Arlo Security Camera System
- OnePlus One
- Quanta Dragon IR7
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia Z3 Orion
- Sony D6616 Xperia Z3 Orion
- Soyea M02
- ZTE ZMax
The list consists of devices that have been identified by T-Mobile, so more could be affected. MikroTik modem and Netgear Arlo system are curious additions to the list, and the latest device on here seems to be the Huawei P9 which launched in December 2016. In tech years, that's fairly dated and with network upgrades and loss of software support from the manufacturers, it's no wonder why T-Mobile decided to pull the plug.
According to Android Police, T-Mobile reached out and stated that the move is due to a planned network update and not related to the new VoLTE requirement that the company is placing on phones starting next month, although the timing is suspect.
As Magenta continues to improve it's 5G network, it has to refarm a lot of its frequencies from its older 3G network to increase capacity for LTE, which the company is using to handle much of its voice traffic.
T-Mobile apparently has been informing customers via mail since the 18th and is expected to start sending texts to subscribers using these devices as soon as the 28th. Magenta is also expected to offer certain deals for these affected customers to help them switch to newer smartphones.
In case you happen to still be utilizing one of the smartphones affected by this change, you can check out some of the best T-Mobile phones, as Magenta offers a wide range of prices and great deals.
Update, January 12 (7:30 pm ET) ― T-Mobile has published a support page for affected customers
Android Police has pointed out that T-Mobile support published a page warning users of the network change and cutoff date. According to T-Mobile, the change also affects T-Mobile's prepaid customers as well as those on Metro by T-Mobile.
If you are currently using one of the devices listed below, please contact your Team of Experts or go into a T-Mobile Retail store to upgrade your device before January 29, 2021. T-Mobile has some exciting new offers that will be available for some impacted customers.
Meanwile the device list remains unchanged from what was posted last month. T-Mobile notes that owners of the Arlo security camera system may not have to replace their devices as the companies are working together on a solution.
