Tag: sub-6GHz

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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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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