T-Mobile Netherlands plans GSM shutdown by 2020

T-Mobile Netherlands is reportedly working on phasing out its existing 900MHz GSM network, in favour of its developing 3G and 4G networks in the frequency band, GSM Helpdesk writes. T-Mobile Netherlands has invited customers that still use phones that only support GSM technology to upgrade to a compatible 3G or 4G handset. The phaseout of GSM networks is expected to be completed by 2020, with other Dutch operators also likely to shut down 2G operations over this time period. Although T-Mobile holds a 2G licence up until 2029, the expected 2020 cut-off date will allow for greater frequency space to be freed up for 3G and 4G networks nationwide, making these the national standard.