4G Spectrum Refarming 2026: How Operators Are Turning LTE Bands Into 5G Capacity

Deutsche Telekom, EE, Far EasTone and other mobile operators are  using spectrum they already own to expand 5G capacity, making refarming an important alternative to relying entirely on new spectrum auctions and additional network sites. Telstra broadband Mobile operators are finding another source of 5G capacity in spectrum they already control. In 2026, operators are progressively reallocating spectrum historically used for 3G and 4G to 5G as device adoption and mobile data traffic shift towar