MMS Shutdown by Telekom, O2, and 1&1

As of today, June 30, 2026, mobile network providers Deutsche Telekom, O2, and 1&1 are ending support for the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). This decision follows an announcement made in May 2026, which informed users in advance that MMS technology would be shut down. Effective immediately, no MMS can be sent or received. MMS allowed users to send images and other multimedia content over mobile networks.

The maximum file size for an MMS was 0.3 megabytes, often resulting in inadequate image quality. Sending an MMS incurred additional costs ranging from 19 cents to 39 cents, making its use unattractive compared to other messaging services. The use of MMS was limited compared to Short Message Service (SMS), which proved to be significantly more popular. While SMS could be sent as a simple text message without additional fees, MMS offered only limited options and was often impractical in practice. The introduction of data-based messengers like WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage has further diminished the use of MMS.

Vodafone was the first provider in Germany to launch MMS in April 2002. At that time, this technology represented an innovation, allowing users to send images, music, and even short videos. The first video MMS was showcased at Cebit in 2003, where Vodafone promoted it with the slogan "With video MMS, mobile pictures should 'learn to move'." The shutdown of MMS technology by the three providers follows Vodafone's example, which discontinued this feature on January 17, 2023.

The decision reflects the decline in MMS usage as more users transition to modern messaging services that offer a variety of features. SMS remains unaffected by the shutdown and will continue to be supported by all mobile network providers. The successor to MMS, the Rich Communication Suite (RCS), offers enhanced features such as sending texts, images, videos, and documents, as well as the ability to make video calls. The shutdown of MMS technology marks another step in the evolution of mobile communication. RCS is seen as a forward-looking solution that better meets users' demands for modern communication tools.

Integration of RCS into existing mobile networks is being promoted by the providers. The decision to shut down MMS is part of a larger trend in the telecommunications industry focused on adapting to the changing needs of consumers. Providers are increasingly relying on data-based services that offer a better user experience. The last MMS messages can be sent until today before the technology is permanently shut down. The mobile network providers have already announced that they will focus on the development and improvement of RCS in the future. The shutdown of MMS technology by Telekom, O2, and 1&1 comes after a long period of declining usage.