Tag: mmWave

The Factors Impacting Your 5G Bandwidth Speeds

The dawn of 5G promised lightning-fast internet speeds, heralding a new era of connectivity. However, the reality often falls short of these lofty expectations, leaving many users frustrated and wondering why their 5G speeds are not as blazing fast as advertised. Several factors can affect your 5G bandwidth speeds, ranging from technical limitations to network congestion. Let’s delve into some key points to understand what could be influencing your 5G experience.

Frequency Band(s) Your Modem or Phone is Connected To

One of the primary determinants of your 5G bandwidth speed is the frequency band your device is connected to. 5G operates across three main frequency bands: low, mid, and high. Each band has its advantages and limitations. Low-band 5G offers wider coverage but relatively modest speed enhancements compared to existing 4G LTE networks. Mid-band 5G strikes a balance between coverage and speed, providing faster speeds than low-band but with middling coverage. High-band, also known as mmWave, offers the highest speeds but suffers from limited coverage and poor penetration through obstacles. Therefore, your proximity to a cell tower and the band it employs can significantly impact your 5G speeds.

Limitations of Your Modem or Phone

The capabilities of your modem or phone play a crucial role in determining the speeds you can achieve. Different devices support different frequency bands, and their performance may vary accordingly. For instance, a device equipped with support for high-band frequencies will likely achieve faster speeds in areas where high-band 5G is available compared to a device limited to low-band frequencies. Upgrading to newer devices that support a wider range of frequency bands can potentially enhance your 5G experience.

User Load at the Cell Tower

Network congestion is another key factor that can affect 5G bandwidth speeds. If too many users are connected to the same cell tower simultaneously, it can lead to decreased speeds for everyone. During peak hours or in densely populated areas, the demand for bandwidth may exceed the capacity of the cell tower, resulting in slower speeds for users. Network operators are continuously expanding infrastructure and optimizing networks to mitigate congestion, but it remains a persistent challenge in densely populated areas.

Limitations on Your Data Plan

Even if your device and the network infrastructure are capable of delivering high-speed 5G connectivity, your data plan may impose limitations. Some data plans throttle speeds after reaching a certain threshold of data usage, while others prioritize certain types of traffic, such as video streaming or gaming, which can impact overall bandwidth speeds. Understanding the terms and conditions of your data plan and choosing an appropriate plan that aligns with your usage patterns is essential for maximizing your 5G experience.

The Speed of Your WiFi or Ethernet Adapter

Lastly, the speed of your WiFi or Ethernet adapter can affect the performance of your 5G connection, especially when using a home or office network. Even if you have a fast 5G connection, a slow WiFi router or Ethernet adapter can become a bottleneck, limiting the speeds you can achieve on your devices. Upgrading to newer networking equipment capable of handling higher speeds can help unleash the full potential of your 5G connection.

As you can see, achieving optimal 5G bandwidth speeds involves a combination of factors. This includes the frequency band your device is connected to, the capabilities of your device, network congestion, data plan limitations, and the speed of your networking equipment. By understanding these factors and taking appropriate measures, users can enhance their 5G experience and unlock the full potential of next-generation connectivity.

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5G and Telecommunications: How 5G is Reshaping the Industry

Technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace. The emergence of 5G stands out as a pivotal moment in the evolution of connectivity and has fundamentally transformed the telecommunications industry in ways that would have been science fiction a few decades ago. This fifth-generation wireless technology has swiftly become a driving force behind a new era of communication, ushering in capabilities and possibilities that were once deemed beyond reach. Exploring the manifold ways in which 5G is revolutionizing the telecommunications sector unveils a landscape where speed, efficiency, and connectivity converge to redefine the boundaries of what is achievable in our increasingly interconnected world.

What is 5G Technology?

5G is the new global wireless standard. It delivers higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, improving performance and network efficiency. With a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gbps (4G’s peak speed is only 1 Gbps, making 5G nearly 200 times faster), users will experience faster downloads, more responsive and reliable online experiences, and smoother streaming on devices. 5G consists of three types of frequencies: high-band, mid-band, and low-band. 

  1. High-band frequencies, such as millimeter wave (mmWave), offer greater bandwidths. This helps carry more data into dense, urban areas; however, these frequencies require nearby cell sites because of their limited ability to penetrate through buildings.
  2. Mid-band provides broader coverage than high-band and is less impacted by buildings.
  3. Low-band (such as the 600MHz spectrum) travels farther and can penetrate more obstacles.

Unprecedented Speeds and Low Latency

One of the key features of 5G is its remarkable speed and low latency. Latency describes the delay that occurs when a computer network processes data and information. With data transfer rates up to 100 times faster than its 4G predecessor, users can now download large files, stream high-definition videos, and engage in real-time applications quickly. This enhanced speed and reduced latency open up new possibilities for various industries, including healthcare, education, and entertainment.

Enabling Internet of Things (IoT)

5G is the linchpin for the widespread implementation of Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices have software, sensors, and other technologies that allow them to connect with and exchange data with other devices and systems. 5G’s ability to connect a massive number of devices simultaneously with minimal latency makes it the ideal infrastructure for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, security systems, and various other IoT applications. From smart homes to industrial automation, 5G’s robust connectivity is laying the foundation for a more interconnected world.

Empowering Remote Work and Collaboration

The global shift toward remote work was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 5G has been playing a pivotal role in enabling seamless communication and collaboration. With high-speed internet access and low latency, remote teams can engage in video conferencing, share large files, and collaborate on projects in real-time, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Enhanced Mobile Experiences

The consumer experience has been elevated to new heights with 5G. Streaming high-quality content, immersive augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) applications are becoming more prevalent. These applications provide users with a more engaging and dynamic mobile experience. As 5G infrastructure continues to expand globally, these enhancements are becoming accessible to a broader audience.

Revolutionizing Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, 5G is proving to be a game-changer. The technology enables the rapid transmission of medical data, facilitating telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. Surgeons can perform remote surgeries with precision. Medical professionals can access and analyze patient data in real-time, leading to more efficient and responsive healthcare systems.

Infrastructure and Economic Impacts

The deployment of 5G networks requires significant infrastructure investments, stimulating economic growth and job creation. Governments and telecommunications companies worldwide are racing to build the necessary infrastructure to support 5G, creating a ripple effect in related industries such as manufacturing, construction, and technology development.

5G and Edge Computing

The synergy between 5G and edge computing is transforming the way data is processed and handled. By bringing computing power closer to the source of data generation, edge computing reduces latency even further, making it an integral component of the 5G ecosystem. This combination is paving the way for innovative applications, such as real-time analytics, autonomous systems, and responsive smart technologies.

Cybersecurity in the 5G Era

As 5G networks become more prevalent, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount. The increased connectivity and the sheer volume of devices connected to the network create larger attack surfaces with vulnerabilities. Exploring the advancements in cybersecurity protocols and technologies becomes crucial to safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of communications in the 5G era.

Future Trends and Innovations

The advent of 5G technology marks a pivotal moment, propelling the telecommunications industry into a future shaped by unprecedented connectivity. As we look ahead, the extraordinary speed, minimal latency, and expansive capabilities of 5G are poised to fuel an era of continual innovation and transformative trends. From evolving IoT to redefining healthcare and reshaping work dynamics, 5G is set to be a dynamic force inspiring novel applications and cutting-edge solutions.

Governments and industry leaders are on the cusp of ushering in a new wave of economic growth through extensive infrastructure investments, creating job opportunities and driving technological advancement. However, as we venture into this future, navigating challenges related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and sustainable energy consumption will be crucial. Embracing these future trends while addressing potential concerns will be the key to unlocking the full potential of 5G and ensuring its seamless integration into our evolving digital landscape.

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T-Mobile Sets a New Standard with 5G Standalone Millimeter Wave

T-Mobile continues to push boundaries and solidify its position as the leader in 5G innovation. With a commitment to providing the largest, fastest, and most awarded 5G network in the United States, T-Mobile has once again made headlines by successfully testing 5G standalone millimeter wave (mmWave) technology on its production network.

As of now, T-Mobile’s 5G network spans more than 330 million people across two million square miles, surpassing the coverage of both AT&T and Verizon combined. Notably, 300 million individuals nationwide benefit from T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G, boasting over 2x more coverage compared to similar mid-band 5G offerings from its closest competitors.

A significant milestone in T-Mobile’s 5G journey was marked on December 6th when the Un-carrier, in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., achieved a groundbreaking feat. The test involved aggregating eight channels of mmWave spectrum, resulting in mind-boggling download speeds exceeding 4.3 gigabits per second (Gbps). Notably, this achievement was accomplished without the reliance on low-band or mid-band spectrum to anchor the connection.

In addition to the remarkable download speeds, T-Mobile also aggregated four channels of mmWave spectrum on the uplink, achieving impressive speeds surpassing 420 megabits per second (Mbps). This successful test underscores T-Mobile’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 5G technology.

The unique characteristic of 5G mmWave lies in its ability to deliver incredibly fast speeds due to its massive capacity. However, the signal faces challenges in traversing obstacles, making it less ideal for mobile users on the move. Recognizing this, T-Mobile has implemented a multi-band spectrum strategy, utilizing low-band to provide comprehensive coverage nationwide and mid-band and high-band (Ultra Capacity) to deliver exceptionally fast speeds to nearly everyone.

T-Mobile’s strategic approach ensures that a diverse range of users can benefit from the advantages of 5G technology. The latest test of 5G mmWave on a standalone network opens new possibilities, especially in densely populated areas such as stadiums. This technology could also potentially be employed for fixed wireless services, offering a glimpse into the future of high-speed, reliable connectivity.

T-Mobile’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction is further exemplified by its status as the fastest-growing home internet provider in America. With solutions catering to both residential and business needs, including 5G Home Internet, Small Business Internet, and Business Internet, T-Mobile is empowering millions of homes and businesses to break free from traditional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and experience fast, reliable, and hassle-free internet services.

For those eager to delve deeper into T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network, detailed coverage information can be found at T-Mobile.com/coverage. 

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Do I Need A Router That Supports 5G mmWave?

2022 has brought in a lot of great things related to 5G coverage and understanding what this means for us all, and how to maximize on what is available to you now while also prepping for what is still to come.

With the announcement of 5G the conversation has brought up topics about the growing mmWave 5G Frequencies and we want to talk about familiarizing yourself with what products support this that would be great for your application and future proofing.

5G mmWave is an extremely fast 5G that although is still limited in where it can be found, is important to know if it is accessible to you. 

This technology is capable of changing the future!

  • mmWave utilizes the higher frequency radio bands for cellular(24GHz to 40GHz). 
  • If you are in an area capable of connecting to the mmWave, you are in the realm of being able to experience speeds of up to 4-5Gbps. 
    • Consumer speeds are often lower and factors like the line of sight to an mmWave Cell Tower are factors in the speeds you will experience. 
  • Locations where this can be utilized are going to be your major cities like:
    • Los Angeles
    • Denver
    • Phoenix
    • Dallas
    • Houston
    • Chicago
    • Boston
    • New York
    • Atlanta
    • Miami
    • Philadelphia and more

Whether you are in an area that already has mmWave or not, these are still great options as they also have coverage for the 5GSub6 and 4G LTE bands – so you can purchase something to work for what is available to you now and prepare for the mmWave bands at the same time!

How do these products work and what is their main purpose?

  • Great for locations with hard to reach cellular networks
  • Excellent for rooftop mounting and then delivering 5G speeds to a central networking closet for distribution to the rest of the building
  • These routers can fulfill the needs for large scale projects.
Use Case: 
Large Business/Offices
Commercial business
Residential		Use Case: 
Large Business/Offices
Commercial business
Residential
Model: BEA1-40055GB-GN

Front

Back		Model:FW2010e    
Front
Back
Enclosure: 
Metal IP67 Rated		Enclosure:
IP67 rating for water and dust ingress protection and Internal heating element for startup and operation in cold environments
Wi-Fi Standard: 
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
(installation only)		Wi-Fi Standard: 
N/A
Ethernet Ports: 
2x 2.5 GbE RJ45 (LAN/WAN switchable)		Ethernet Ports: 
1x 5Gbps LAN Port
Downlink/Uplink Datarate: 
Up to 7.53 Gbps*/Up to 1.6 Gbps**

*based on 20 Layers LTE + TDD (100 MHz BW, 256 QAM, 4×4)
**based on 2 Layers LTE + TDD (200 MHz BW, 64 QAM, SISO)

Maximum Throughput:
2 Gbps (Passthrough)		Downlink/Uplink Datarate: 
5Gbps/1.8Gbps*

** Theoretical max download and upload speeds. Actual speeds experienced are dependent on carrier network and coverage.


Maximum Throughput:
5 Gbps
Supported Bands:
5G mmW: n260, n261
5G Sub6: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
4G LTE: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66, B71
WCDMA: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B9, B19		Supported Bands:
5G mmW: n257, n258, n260, n261
5G Sub6: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n46, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78
4G LTE: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66, B71
Antenna(s): External
Low/mid-band FR1 5G & LTE: N-type female connectors, external 600 MHz – 6 GHz cellular paddle antennas (qty 4. included)

High-band FR2 5G: Internal 27.5-28.35 GHz, 37-40 GHz high-power antenna array (8×8 included)		Antenna(s): Built In
mmWave Antennas
QTM527-1/2
64-element phased array
44-45dBm Min Peak EIRP
LTE/Sub6 Antennas
3-4dBi, 3.3GHz – 3.8GHz
2-3dBi, 1.7GHz – 2.7GHz
0-4dBi, 600MHz – 960MHz
Dimensions:
12.72 x 11.8 x 3.11 in (323 x 300 x 79 mm)		Dimensions:
11.8 x 7.9 x 3.5 in (300 x 200 x 90 mm)
Operating Temps:
22 °F to 140 °F (-30 °C to 60 °C)		Operating Temps:
-4° to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Package Contents:
-W4005-5GB Outdoor 5G Wideband Adapter
-802.3bt 90 W PoE Injector
-Cellular antenna, outdoor 5G Low/Mid Band with N type connector (Qty. 4)
-Outdoor mounting plate
-Pole mount clamp
-Plate to assembly mounting screws & washers
-Plate to W4005 mounting screws		Package Contents:
-FW2010e Router
-PoE Injector
-SIM Tool
Price and additional information:
Click Here!		Price and additional information:
Click Here!
  • A few key features with the Inseego FW2010e:
    • Uses high-power mmWave antennas to extend the reach of 5G mmWave and bring high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity to new use cases and experiences.
    • High-power 5G mmWave radio extends network coverage up to 4.35 miles (7 km) and lowers the cost of deploying gigabit broadband services.
    • Built In Antennas – cleaner, and easier to work with!
    • Supports additional 5G mmWave bands in comparison to the W4005.
    • Certified to work with the Verizon Business Plans.

Want to know more about these items – visit our site by using the links below for more information on each product.

Still unsure what might be a good fit for your needs? Contact Us Today!

  • Email: sales@5gstore.com
  • Call: 1-833-5GSTORE (1-833-547-8673)
  • Chat: Click HERE to chat with an expert at 5Gstore!
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How is Nokia Testing 5G-Advanced and 6G?

Nokia Bell Labs and Keysight Technologies have partnered in order to verify the performance of 5G-Advanced and 6G transceiver (TRX) modules. Nokia is looking to accelerate research and development critical to supporting 5G-Advanced and 6G use cases. These are use cases which leverage millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-terahertz (THz) frequencies to wirelessly transmit large amounts of data across short distances.

Nokia will be running tests using a sub-Terahertz (THz) test bed from Keysight. The 6G test bed will be used to test the performance of TRX modules, power amplifiers and antennas. Tests will be performed under both linear and nonlinear conditions. The network infrastructure components were designed by Nokia. The company accomplished this by leveraging complex modulation technology and D-Band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) and E-Band (60 GHz to 90 GHz) spectrum.

Keysight and Nokia recently demonstrated the 6G test bed in combination with Nokia’s RFIC and radio-on-glass technology. The demonstration was showcased at the 2022 Brooklyn 6G Summit last month. The companies outlined the use of the 6G test bed for evaluating the performance of an individual component or a cascaded series of components in an end-to-end system.

“Working with Keysight enables us to make significant progress in developing next generation wireless technology. Cross-industry collaborations are important in co-innovating technology that merges physical, digital and human domains to create immersive experiences that support meaningful interactions,” said Nokia Bell Labs Core Research President Peter Vetter in a statement.

Nokia seems eager that they get 6G right since they were a bit behind with 5G. In fact, in a blog post earlier this year, Nokia highlighted that it’s working closely with industry organizations, government agencies and academia to make 6G technologies a reality. Nokia said it was selected to lead major 6G initiatives in the U.S., and it’s leading the Hexa-X-II project in Europe that’s designed to lay the groundwork for 6G standardization.

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What Frequency Bands Does 5G Use?

If you’re in the market for a 5G cellular modem or router, you may want to consider its supported frequency bands. There are three types of 5G. Sub-6 (also called FR1) refers to low band frequencies below 6GHz, and mmWave (also called FR2) refers to frequencies over 24GHz. You also have mid band, or the C-band, which covers 4GHz to 8GHz. However, carriers are more focused on the range of 3.7 to 4.2GHz.

When 5G was initially rolled out, it used Sub-6 5G that stayed mainly below the 2GHz range. These frequencies were already used by 4G/LTE and even older 3G networks, so carriers had the necessary licenses to use them. This made it quick and easy for AT&T and T-Mobile to roll out 5G on top of their existing networks.

To this day, the most widely available 5G service in the U.S. is running on low band frequencies. Not only because it was the first service available, but because it covers the most distance. The downside is that in a lot of cases, the connection is only as good as LTE. 

C-band is the next best for 5G. While the distance it covers is not as much as Sub-6, it does offer a better 5G experience. In comparison, mmWave runs off the higher frequencies so it does not travel as far. This however, is the truest version of 5G with its significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and high reliability. 

Here’s a breakdown of the bands to look out for in the device specifications:

Sub-6/ 5G NR: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n46, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79, n83

C-band: n77, n78, n79

mmWave: n257, n258, n259, n260, n261

Due to its availability, a majority of the 5G products we carry will only support Sub-6/ NR (New Radio) bands. There are a handful that will also support all C-band frequencies. To check those out, see below.

Should you be lucky enough to have mmWave coverage in your location, stay tuned for the Cradlepoint W4005. 

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How Inseego and Qualcomm Helped UScellular Launch 5G

New UScellular Brand and Logo Unveiled - Telecompetitor

As the fourth largest cellular in the United States, UScellular doesn’t make the headlines much. Now, with the collaboration of companies Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Inseego, they have launched its 5G mmWave high-speed internet service. This launch, which is happening in 10 cities, follows a friendly user trial that began in Janesville, WI. in 2021. It builds upon field testing that demonstrates the speed and range that 5G mmWave technology is capable of providing customers.

To compete with carriers T-Mobile and Verizon, UScellular has their own Home Internet+ solution, which comes with the launch of their 5G service. The service delivers speeds of up to 300 Mbps, an increase of 10-15 times compared to its 4G LTE home internet offering, and is a significant milestone in its multi-technology approach to providing High-Speed Internet solutions.

UScellular’s Home Internet+ uses the Inseego Wavemaker™ FW2010 outdoor 5G CPE, powered by the Qualcomm® 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1 featuring Snapdragon® X55 5G Modem-RF System. It’s a great solution for users that require high-speed internet access in their homes or businesses. 

For this Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service, you’ll need to be located in parts of East Moline and Rock Island, IL.; Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Dubuque and Waterloo, Iowa; Yakima, WA.; and Beloit and Janesville, WI.

Future plans for 2022 include increasing the Home Internet+ service within the aforementioned cities and expanding to dozens more in both urban and rural areas. This will include Springfield and Tipton, MO., Knoxville, TN., and Kenosha and Milwaukee, WI. 

“At UScellular, we are passionate and motivated to deliver on our mission of connecting people and communities to what matters most to them,” said Mike Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer for UScellular. “This FWA solution is key to providing customers affordable and reliable in-home connectivity no matter where they live, and we look forward to expanding it to more areas in 2022 and beyond.”

In comparison to other wireline options, 5G mmWave is an affordable and accessible solution that is quick and easy to set up. To harness the powerful benefits of 5G mmWave for UScellular’s next-generation internet service, Inseego leveraged the Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1. This product provides a comprehensive, fully integrated modem-to-antenna 5G solution, which is engineered to streamline product development for multiple mobile broadband product categories, including sub-6 GHz, mmWave and extended-range mmWave CPE devices. 

The Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 1 is also designed to provide operators and OEMs, like Inseego, with the technology capabilities they need to tackle wireless complexity while enabling them to offer a diverse product portfolio to their customers.

“This expansion of delivering high-speed internet to untapped cities is a testament to Qualcomm Technologies efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said Gautam Sheoran, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “By equipping operators and OEMs with cost-effective, last-mile technologies, we are able to empower end users and enterprises with best-in-class 5G connectivity for homes and businesses, including those in previously underserved areas.”

The Inseego Wavemaker FW2010 outdoor CPE delivers multi-gigabit download speeds for data-hungry applications. It connects to a Wi-Fi router to provide secure and reliable internet access for numerous devices throughout a home, business, or office. With exceptional 5G cellular antenna performance, the FW2010 can extend mmWave coverage many miles away from a cell tower. It also supports 5G sub-6 GHz and Cat 22 LTE, making it great for a wide range of locations and applications.

“UScellular is committed to delivering first-class broadband experiences for their customers and to support the growth of connected communities. We congratulate them on this milestone launch,” said Inseego CEO Ashish Sharma. “The record-breaking performance of our Inseego Wavemaker FW2010 enables UScellular to unlock the vast potential of its 5G mmWave network and extends the reach of high-speed, high-capacity FWA broadband services to residential and business customers.”

Learn more about UScellular’s approach to FWA service here. Also, if you’re interested in determining your eligibility for the 5G service, and sign up for future updates, go to https://www.uscellular.com/home-internet-5G

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5G: How Does mmWave Compare to Sub-6GHz

5G networks come in two main forms. First, we have sub-6GHz, which is what most users are running off at this time. Second, we have mmWave, which is the super-fast 5G that is hard to find right now, but it’s capable of changing the future of technology. 

Before we break down some more details and differences, let’s go back to the basics. Cellular devices transmit data over the air using electromagnetic radio frequencies. These frequencies are organized into different frequency bands. Some of these bands have more capacity than others and are able to deliver information faster. This is the case with mmWave.  

In comparison, Sub-6GHz 5G isn’t much different than LTE. Some bands are actually similar frequency ranges as what was used in 3G and 4G/ LTE. While the frequencies themselves only offer a small improvement in terms of speed over LTE, more spectrum with sub-6GHz means more bandwidth and faster user speeds.

mmWave covers higher frequency radio bands than we’ve ever used for cellular. These range from 24GHz to 40GHz. Sub-6GHz refers to mid and low-frequency bands under 6GHz. Low-frequency bands are under 1GHz, while mid-bands range from 3.4GHz to 6GHz and are not considered “mmWave.”

Due to its wide availability and range, mid-band will be the most practical for users. Mid-band 5G can cover wide distances and also has capabilities to carry high volumes of data at high speeds. It can deliver real-world speeds of around 100 to 500 Mbps. mmWave 5G devices can offer maximum speeds of around 4-5Gbps, although consumer speeds are often lower. In reality, you might only see a few hundred megabits per second, unless you have a direct line of sight with a mmWave cell tower. 

5G FREQUENCY BANDS

Some of the most widely used mid-band 5G frequencies include n77 (TD 3700), n78 (TD 3500) and n79 (TD 4700). The n78 band — at 3.5GHz — is one of the most popular 5G frequencies in use worldwide. Unfortunately, since it falls into the sub-6GHz spectrum, you won’t get mount-dropping speeds, but it will help offer better coverage and a stronger signal. Similarly, the n41 band is also pretty popular. This the same 2.5GHz frequency that carriers have used for 4G and 3G deployments on Sprint’s network in the past. Now, T-Mobile has repurposed it from LTE to 5G Standalone use in the US.

While browsing 5G cellular devices, you may also see 5G bands such as n1 (2100 MHz), n2 (1900 MHz), n3 (1800 MHz), n5 (850 MHz), n7 (2600 MHz), n8 (900 MHz), n12 (700 MHz), n40 (TD 2300), n41 (TD 2500), n48 (TD 3600), n66 (AWS-3), etc. These are low-band 5G frequencies that have a much wider reach in comparison to mid-band and mmWave. mmWave includes 5G bands like n258 (26 GHz), n260 (39 GHz) and n261 (28 GHz). 

When purchasing a new cellular modem, make sure you don’t get stuck on how many 5G bands it supports. Instead, look at the type of 5G network in your location and choose accordingly. Mid-band 5G is emerging as the preferred choice in most parts of the world. That’s where most carriers will focus in the coming years. So we should expect to see more speed and capability out of these frequencies. 


For more about 5G frequency bands, check out our blog here.

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Will Cellular Carriers Continue to Invest in mmWave?

Many of the cellular carriers are, or have dedicated a large portion of their capex budgets this year, but this doesn’t mean that millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G deployments are done. Mobile Experts, in a recent report, say that it expects mmWave investments will return in late 2023 and 2024.

Companies like Verizon and AT&T have spent billions this year and will continue to next year, all in effort to deploy 5G in their C-band spectrum. Looking at numbers, Verizon is expected to dedicate about $5 billion toward C-band this year and AT&T said it will spend $6 billion in 2023, much of which will go to C-band. 

Dan McNamara, principal analyst with Mobile Experts, expects carriers will need to cover more locations with mmWave as data on the C-Band 5G networks increases. He says this because one of the fundamental values of mmWave 5G is that it offers huge capacity gains and delivers high data rates.

“The good news about C-band is that there is a lot of investment in it. And as it gets rolled out, customers will see their phones get faster and that will get them excited,” he said, adding that at this point he believes customers will flock to 5G because the difference between 4G and 5G will be much more evident.  

“The current systems will see data consumption rise,” he said. “And in areas where that data consumption gets higher, the operators will support that through mmWave.”

McNamara went on to say that we may hear a lot about 5G deployments in the U.S., but it’s still a relatively new technology. “Lots of countries have not deployed it [5G] yet,” he said, noting that because of this many consumers haven’t experienced the benefits of 5G.   

Per McNamara, manufacturers of 5G radios are working to integrate multiple radios into one antenna. This could mean the difference of installing one antenna that supports multiple networks (LTE and 5G C-Band) versus having to fit multiple radios together. This would also lower the number of permits and approvals that carriers require to deploy their network. 

“This solves some of the operator pain points that are beyond just pure technology,” McNamara said.

The Dell ‘Oro Group also commented on this subject, noting that the 5G capex cycle will be longer than past generations of wireless. This includes LTE. According to the group, the reason 5G’s cycle will be longer is because of all the different spectrum bands that are being used for 5G from mmWave to 2.5 GHz, C-band, 6 GHz and more.

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Who is the fastest 5G carrier in the US?

According to the latest report from RootMetrics T-Mobile may have the fastest 5G speeds and greatest 5G availability, but what about reliability?

When measuring only 5G reliability, a different carrier, Verizon, came out on top.

The timing of this testing however, is important to note. 5G performance was done during the second half of 2021. At the start of the New Year, you may recall that Verizon and AT&T were finally able to turn on their new C-Band 5G coverare, which brings faster average speeds to a greater number of people (more than 90 million, according to Verizon). AT&T has only a handful of cities covered at this point.

The RootMetrics report gathered results from tests that were run in 125 of the largest cities in the U.S. In the end, they found T-Mobile had the fastest 5G download speeds in 48 markets, compared to three for Verizon and zero for AT&T. Median download speeds for T-Mobile topped 100 Mbps in more than half the cities RootMetrics tested in. In 26 markets, the speeds topped 200 Mbps.

T-Mobile was also determined to have the best 5G availability. With the highest availability in 83 tested markets, T-Mobile topped AT&T (62 markets) and Verizon (6 markets).

In comparison with 5G reliability, T-Mobile was actually found to have the lowest amount at 19. Verizon had the best in 93 markets, also topping AT&T, which only showed in 67 markets. 

These findings weren’t just determined by RootMetrics either. Their results are right inline with what has been seen from other third party testers. Back in January, OpenSignal published a 5G performance report in which T-Mobile not only had the fastest 5g download speeds, but was 93.9 Mbps faster than its closest rival. T-Mobile also came out on top for availability and reach.

When comparing T-Mobile’s approach to the 5G rollout to that of AT&T and Verizon’s, it’s clear that T-Mobile got ahead by using sub-6GHz spectrum to create a far-reaching 5G nationwide network. The network now reaches more than 310 million people. More recently, they’ve begun using mid-band spectrum — much of it obtained through the merger with Sprint — to boost speeds. T-Mobile calls this their Ultra Capacity 5G service and it covers some 210 million people.

Verizon and AT&T started their 5G journey by concentrating on mmWave-based 5G. This can be very fast, but has a limited range. mmWave-based towers are in select cities. To provide more coverage, but at slower speed, the two carriers use sub-6GHz 5G.

After a few delays and limitations AT&T and Verizon were able to roll out more coverage in January, this time on the faster C-Band spectrum. The higher band spectrum has a wider reach than mmWave, enabling both carriers to reach more people with faster 5G service. In Verizon’s case, they have more than 90 million people being covered with the carrier’s fastest Ultra Wideband 5G. AT&T is rolling out its C-Band 5G, though on a more limited basis currently.

C-Band tests have been done in a number of different locations and already seems to be improving performance for Verizon. Right after C-Band 5G went live, testing firm Ookla published a report claiming that Verizon’s average 5G download speed jumped to 116.3 Mbps from 76.5 Mbps within the course of a week. For comparison, T-Mobile speeds increased from 182 Mbps to 187.1 Mbps in that same time period.

With the recent upgrades and third party tests that have come out, it would seem the leader board is bound to shift by RootMetrics’ next test. Only time will tell!

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