T-Mobile's Transition: From CDMA to LTE and 5G

With the completion of its merger in April 2020, T-Mobile is currently in the process of transitioning the Sprint network and its customers to a GSM-based network. This transition involves phasing out the older CDMA technology that Sprint utilized. As of August 2023, T-Mobile has already begun shutting down parts of the Sprint network, with the intention of fully integrating Sprint's customers onto its GSM network. This move is aimed at improving overall network efficiency and enhancing service quality.

Shutting Down CDMA and GSM

Both CDMA and GSM technologies are becoming obsolete. T-Mobile has already shut down all of Sprint's networks, with CDMA no longer available. 3G is also shut down on both Sprint Spectrum and T-Mobile Spectrum, with only a small amount of 2G remaining on T-Mobile, which will also be shut down soon. The term ‘GSM’ refers to 2G GSM, including data services like GPRS and EDGE, and the term ‘CDMA’ includes 2G CDMA 1xRTT and 3G CDMA EV-DO.

Future of Network Technology

In the USA, the future of mobile networks lies with LTE and 5G. Both ATT and Verizon have already shut down their CDMA networks, with US Cellular also planning to do the same in the near future. The decommissioning of CDMA is driven by the inefficiency of spectrum usage compared to LTE. Furthermore, 5G is set to replace LTE within the next decade, making it the dominant technology.

Why T-Mobile's Transition to GSM is Unnecessary

Since T-Mobile is stopping GSM like ATT did on December 31, 2016, there is absolutely no reason to convert the Sprint system from CDMA to GSM. Similarly, there is no reason to convert the Sprint system to 3G UMTS including the data service of HSPA, as this technology also has a short life in the USA. All current CDMA carriers are fully equipped with 4G LTE and are actively deploying 5G as their next-generation technology.

Conclusion: The Future of CDMA and GSM

CDMA and GSM technologies will be decommissioned by all current CDMA carriers, and this process will take place sooner rather than later. T-Mobile will use the current Sprint 4G LTE deployments at 2.5 GHz and 700 MHz frequencies, eventually replacing 4G with 5G. US Cellular and other carriers will also announce shutdowns at some point in the near future. In summary, CDMA will be phased out as it is not as spectrum-efficient as LTE and 5G, which will be the future standards.