T-Mobile is rolling out a free upgrade that will improve 5G speeds for many users.
Because 4G LTE is about to become a thing of the past at the nation-leading "Un-carrier", an outdated 5G device some of you might still be using is now being replaced at no cost.
The Nokia 5G21 Gateway, known by some users as the "Nokia trash can," which launched in the US in 2020, is being discontinued along with its 4G LTE connectivity.
T-Mobile is offering a free upgrade to a newer gateway, so customers should not throw away the old device.
The company has contacted numerous customers who are eligible for a complimentary upgrade from their 5G gateway to a G4AR or G5AR, and those who have accepted the offer seem pleased.
Customers who have received a text message or email about a free gateway upgrade are encouraged to accept the offer. Those still using a Nokia 5G21 who have not been contacted can wait or contact T-Mobile to request the free upgrade.
In most cases, customers will receive a new gateway and will be asked to return the old one by mail or at a store. This 5G Home Internet upgrade is free of charge. There will be no charges when ordering the new gateway, and the plan will not change.
Although the Nokia 5G21 supported 5G, it relied on 5G Non-Standalone technology, which is based on 4G LTE, because it could not support 5G Standalone connectivity.
One Reddit user reported an increase in speed after the upgrade.
Speed improvements after replacing the 5G21 with a G4AR or G5AR may vary, but some users have reported considerable gains.
The setup is generally straightforward, involving a simple SIM card swap from the old gateway to the new 5G gateway.
This product replacement is not a major technological innovation.
However, these types of changes have helped T-Mobile gain subscribers and become a strong competitor in the home internet market, rivaling AT&T and Verizon.
T-Mobile continues to show its commitment to customer experience and network speeds.
Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips is a book that explores the history of mobile devices.
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