J.D. Power Report Reveals 5G FWA Dominates in Customer Satisfaction

Recent findings from the J.D. Power report on residential internet service provider satisfaction have unveiled a significant trend: 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is leading the pack in customer satisfaction among various internet service types. With scores ranging from 775 to 825 on a 1,000-point scale, depending on the provider, 5G FWA outshines other technologies such as fiber, cable broadband, DSL, and fixed wireless based on 4G LTE.

5G FWA: A Game Changer in Customer Satisfaction

The report highlights that 5G FWA users exhibit the highest satisfaction levels across diverse residential landscapes, surpassing even traditional fiber optic services. The key factors driving this high satisfaction include the enhanced performance, reliability, and notably, the affordability of 5G FWA services.

Price and Performance: The Winning Combination

While fiber and cable broadband offer comparable performance and reliability, 5G FWA takes the lead in cost-of-service satisfaction by a significant margin of over 60 points. This affordability factor is becoming increasingly crucial for consumers amidst economic challenges, prompting more users to explore 5G FWA as a viable alternative.

Urban vs. Rural Dynamics

Geographical variations in customer satisfaction are evident, with urban areas boasting the highest satisfaction levels across all technologies. However, it’s noteworthy that 5G FWA consistently performs exceptionally well, even in suburban areas, indicating its versatility and adaptability across different residential settings.

Expanding Access and Choices

FWA based on 5G technology is not just reshaping customer preferences; it’s also expanding opportunities for wireless carriers to enter new territories. This expansion translates into more choices for consumers, driving competition and innovation in the internet service market.

Unlocking 5G FWA with 5Gstore.com

For those interested in experiencing the benefits of 5G FWA, 5Gstore.com offers access to this cutting-edge technology through the Verizon network. Start by visiting 5Gstore.com, and look at the 5G Unlimited Address Checker. This is how users can verify their address for compatibility with the service area and unlock the potential of high-speed, reliable internet powered by 5G FWA.

As the adoption of FWA continues to grow, companies like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are positioned to revolutionize the industry landscape with affordable, high-performance internet solutions. With customer satisfaction at the forefront, the shift towards 5G FWA signals a new era in residential internet services, where accessibility, affordability, and performance converge to meet evolving consumer demands.

T-Mobile’s 5G Revolution: Nationwide Coverage Just Got Faster!

In a groundbreaking move, T-Mobile has announced the activation of its 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum, acquired through FCC Auction 108 in August 2022. With over 60 million subscribers eagerly anticipating improved 5G experiences in the coming days, the Un-carrier is set to reshape the 5G landscape across the United States.

The 5G SALE Act Unleashes T-Mobile’s Potential

T-Mobile’s journey to utilize the acquired mid-band spectrum was marked by challenges. Despite winning 7,156 licenses covering 2,724 counties in the auction, the company faced regulatory hurdles. The FCC auction authority expiration and subsequent legislation, namely the 5G SALE Act, paved the way for T-Mobile to unleash the potential of its acquired licenses.

Mid-Band Spectrum: The Goldilocks of 5G

The 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum is a big deal for T-Mobile subscribers. Unlike high-band mmWave spectrum, mid-band offers a balance between speed and coverage. It travels longer distances and is less prone to obstruction by obstacles like buildings or trees. Often referred to as the “Goldilocks of 5G spectrum,” mid-band strikes a perfect balance between the ultra-fast mmWave and the more widespread, but slower, low-band spectrum.

T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G Expansion

On March 6, 2024, T-Mobile announced a significant expansion of its Ultra Capacity 5G coverage. By activating the 2.5 GHz spectrum, the Un-carrier aims to enhance the 5G experience for tens of millions of users, particularly those in rural areas. The added capacity will result in an immediate performance boost for customers, marking a crucial step in bridging the digital divide.

Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, expressed excitement about the development, stating, “This type of execution is exactly why T-Mobile is the new network leader in the U.S., and we continue to give customers the greatest value at the same time.”

Impact on Rural Communities

T-Mobile’s strategic investment of $304 million in FCC Auction 108 covered over 7,000 county-based licenses, impacting more than 80 million people, nearly a quarter of the U.S. population. With a focus on rural areas, the Un-carrier is delivering improved connectivity and performance, fostering healthy competition and choice for millions of Americans.

In the coming days, T-Mobile will activate the spectrum, covering nearly 60 million customers over almost 300,000 square miles. The company plans to deploy the rest as new towers are built, ensuring a comprehensive and robust 5G network.

Nationwide Reach: What to Expect

Wondering if you’ll benefit from the added capacity? T-Mobile secured licenses in nearly every county across the U.S., ensuring widespread 5G coverage. Even if you aren’t in one of the 80 million+ areas directly impacted, you’re likely to experience a 5G boost wherever you go – whether traveling, working, or playing.

For example, in Louisiana, the spectrum activation will benefit customers in 92% of the counties, leading to immediate improvements in connectivity for more than 1.7 million people, with nearly 500,000 in rural areas. Similar enhancements will be seen in Pennsylvania, reaching 2.2 million people, including nearly one million in rural communities.

T-Mobile’s Unmatched 5G Network

T-Mobile’s commitment to expanding its 5G network has propelled it to the top of the industry. The Un-carrier is now crowned the overall network leader in the U.S., boasting the largest, fastest, and most awarded 5G network. With coverage extending over 330 million people across two million square miles, T-Mobile surpasses the combined reach of AT&T and Verizon. More than 300 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, with over twice the square miles of coverage compared to its closest competitors.

For those yet to experience T-Mobile’s network, the company offers a free trial with Network Pass. Users with unlocked eSIM-compatible phones can enjoy three months of T-Mobile’s unlimited smartphone data, including 5G. The transition to T-Mobile is made seamless with Easy Switch, allowing users to make the move in just minutes from their phones.

In conclusion, T-Mobile’s activation of the 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum marks a significant milestone in the evolution of 5G connectivity across the United States. As the Un-carrier continues to enhance its network, millions of subscribers can look forward to a faster, more reliable 5G experience, solidifying T-Mobile’s position as the new leader in the U.S. telecom landscape.

Widespread Cellular Outages and the Benefits of Failover

In a surprising turn of events, major cellular carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon experienced widespread outages across the United States on Thursday morning. The disruptions left thousands of customers without cellular service and internet connectivity, sparking concerns, especially regarding emergency services. Details sourced from NBC News reveal the extent of the outages and the subsequent responses from the affected companies.

AT&T Takes the Brunt of Outages

AT&T faced the most severe impact, with over 32,000 outages reported at around 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. The number skyrocketed to more than 71,000 just before 8 a.m. ET. Downdetector indicated that major cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were the epicenters of the reported issues. The exact cause of the service disruption remains unclear.

T-Mobile and Verizon Experience Lesser Outages

While T-Mobile and Verizon also experienced outages, their scale appeared less widespread compared to AT&T. Around 1,100 T-Mobile outages and approximately 3,000 Verizon outages were reported as of 7 a.m. Thursday. Both companies addressed the situation promptly, assuring customers that their networks were operating normally, and the reported outages may have been a result of customers attempting to connect to other affected carriers.

Company Responses

AT&T acknowledged the issue Thursday morning, stating, “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning.” The company assured customers that they were working urgently to restore service and recommended the use of Wi-Fi calling until normal service was resumed. Similarly, Verizon clarified that the outages were not directly impacting their network but were affecting customers trying to reach other carriers experiencing issues. T-Mobile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their network was operational.

Emergency Concerns

One of the most alarming aspects of these outages is the potential impact on emergency services. Reports indicate that some customers, particularly those using AT&T, were unable to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to 911. The San Francisco Fire Department and various police departments across the country issued warnings, urging affected customers to seek alternative means to contact emergency services.

City Responses

Officials from various cities affected by the outages expressed concern and worked to mitigate the impact on emergency services. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens assured the public that Atlanta’s e-911 was operational, but acknowledged that AT&T customers were facing difficulties. Similar statements were issued by emergency management offices in Chicago, Virginia’s Prince William County, and North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The Importance of Failover

Problems like this make it apparent that having a backup in place is important. Network diversity via SD-WAN capable routers allow users to have more than one WAN connection available. While this is mainly used for failover purposes, it can also allow for smoother VoIP calls and video meetings, and faster uploads.

Unbreakable VPN and VoIP, faster speeds and smoother calls are possible via a feature typically known as Bonding or WAN Bonding, which combines multiple WAN connections together for one, more reliable connection. So whether you utilize more than one cellular connection, or one cellular and one wired connection (Cable, Satellite, DSL, etc), simple failover or Bonding may be what you need to keep your business running 24/7.

Peplink BR1 Mini 5G Router

Peplink introduces its latest innovation, the BR1 Mini 5G router, designed to redefine the possibilities of high-speed internet access for various applications. This compact powerhouse, now in stock and certified by major carriers, including Verizon (C-BAND), AT&T, FirstNet, and T-Mobile, redefines the way you connect and manage your network.

High-Speed Connectivity

The Peplink BR1 Mini 5G router boasts a 5G modem capable of reaching speeds up to 3.4 Gbps down and 900 Mbps up, ensuring blazing-fast internet access. In instances where 5G is not available, the router seamlessly switches to its 4G LTE Cat 20 modem, supporting speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps down and 200 Mbps up. The inclusion of redundant SIM slots in nano 4FF size ensures uninterrupted connectivity.

Versatile Ports and Connectivity Options

Equipped with two dedicated 10/100/1000 LAN ports and a third port that can function as both LAN and WAN, the BR1 Mini 5G offers flexibility in network configurations. The WAN port supports throughput up to 300 Mbps, providing reliable and high-speed connectivity. The device also supports SpeedFusion features, allowing for two to five VPN connections at speeds up to 80 Mbps with encryption off and up to 60 Mbps with encryption on, provided with a valid PrimeCare plan. 

The package includes the BR1 Mini 5G router, four cellular antennas, and a 12V 2A 4-pin power supply. Additionally, the device can be powered over Ethernet or 10-30V DC via the 4-pin connector, providing flexibility in deployment options. Note that there is no WiFi or GPS support on this model. 

Compact and Flexible Design

Despite its powerful capabilities, the BR1 Mini 5G maintains the compact and lightweight design synonymous with the BR1 Mini series. Weighing just under one pound and measuring under five inches in size, it is an ideal solution for diverse applications, from fixed office locations to vehicles traversing the globe. Suitable for one to sixty users, the BR1 Mini 5G adapts seamlessly to various networking environments. 

Advanced Features for Enhanced Management

The router includes GPIO and ignition sensing features, catering to a range of applications. It can be used as a 5G adapter with an existing network or as a gateway/router to create a new network. With extensive compatibility with 5G/LTE bands, including native 5G NSA and SA mode support, the BR1 Mini 5G ensures optimal performance across different network scenarios.

Efficient Remote Management

Peplink’s InControl2, a cloud-based endpoint management system, allows users to remotely access the BR1 Mini 5G router’s web admin. This feature enables administrators to generate reports, push configurations, and effectively manage connected devices, such as sensors and cameras, utilizing Peplink’s InTouch technology at 5G speeds.

Ready to get your hands on a BR1 Mini 5G? Check them out now at 5Gstore.com! In the meantime, here’s a closer look in our unboxing video!

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

iPhone 15 Pro Receives Boost in 5G Speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro, set to be released this week, will offer significant enhancements to its 5G performance. This is thanks to its new Qualcomm modem, according to data from SpeedSmart. This new iPhone model will utilize Qualcomm’s X70 modem, offering three key improvements: notably lower power consumption, improved 5G carrier aggregation capabilities, and better connectivity even when the iPhone is far from a cell tower.

Speed test results indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will deliver up to 24% faster 5G speeds compared to the previous iPhone 14 Pro models. Verizon users will experience the most substantial improvements, followed by T-Mobile and AT&T. These enhancements primarily manifest as boosted download speeds, although there are also minor improvements in upload speeds and ping times.

On average, all three major US networks saw significant gains in download speeds, with an impressive average of 255 Mbps over 5G. Verizon had the largest improvement at 24% faster, followed closely by T-Mobile at 22% faster, with an average download speed of 300 Mbps nationwide. AT&T experienced a 14.6% increase in average download speed. These findings highlight the iPhone 15 Pro’s impressive 5G performance across the country.

While Qualcomm’s X70 modem is also used in flagship Android smartphones, Apple is actively working on developing its own in-house 5G modems, which are expected to be several years away. Qualcomm recently announced that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems for iPhones at least through 2026.

Enhancing Public Safety Response with Cellular Routers

Reliable communication is paramount for public safety agencies to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of communities. To meet these critical demands, specialized sections of cellular networks have been established exclusively for public safety use. Companies like AT&T with FirstNet, Verizon and its Frontline service, and T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program have pioneered this innovation, offering dedicated networks that empower first responders with seamless, prioritized, and resilient communication capabilities.

The Need for Dedicated Networks

Traditional cellular networks are designed to handle a multitude of users engaging in various activities, such as browsing the internet, streaming videos, and sending emails. However, during emergencies or large-scale events, the surge in network traffic can overload these systems, compromising communication channels for first responders and emergency personnel. Dedicated networks for public safety address this challenge by creating a separate, prioritized infrastructure that ensures consistent access to communication resources, even in the most demanding situations.

AT&T FirstNet: A Game-Changer in Public Safety

Launched by AT&T in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), FirstNet is a dedicated cellular network designed exclusively for first responders. With its separate spectrum and specialized infrastructure, FirstNet ensures that public safety agencies have the bandwidth they need when it matters most. This means that firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel can communicate and coordinate effectively without facing network congestion.

One of the key features of FirstNet is its priority and preemption capabilities. During emergencies, FirstNet users are given top priority, ensuring that their communication takes precedence over regular network traffic. This ensures that critical information reaches first responders promptly, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to evolving situations.

Verizon Frontline: Elevating Public Safety Communications

Verizon Frontline is another exemplary initiative that caters to the unique communication needs of public safety agencies. By leveraging Verizon’s advanced network infrastructure, Frontline offers first responders reliable connectivity and dedicated network resources. This empowers them to share real-time data, videos, and other critical information without the risk of disruption.

Frontline’s emphasis on network resilience is particularly noteworthy. The network incorporates redundancy and backup solutions, ensuring that communication remains intact even in the face of network outages or congestion. This level of reliability is essential for public safety agencies operating in high-pressure scenarios where seamless communication can be a matter of life and death.

T-Mobile Connecting Heroes: Bridging the Gap

T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program is yet another testament to the commitment of cellular providers to support public safety efforts. Through this initiative, T-Mobile offers first responders and their agencies access to its powerful 5G network, enabling high-speed data transfer, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. This is crucial for tasks such as remote medical consultations, live video feeds from the field, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to reliable connectivity, Connecting Heroes also provides cost-saving benefits. Public safety agencies can access T-Mobile’s network at discounted rates, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other critical aspects of their operations.

Benefits of Using a Cellular Router for Public Safety

In the realm of public safety, effective communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and responding swiftly to emergencies. While traditional methods, such as public safety approved cell phones and tablets, have served as communication tools for first responders, the adoption of dedicated cellular routers brings a new dimension of advantages that significantly elevate their capabilities.

The enhanced coverage and extended range provided by cellular routers are particularly valuable in challenging public safety scenarios. Whether in remote locations, disaster sites, or densely populated urban areas, these routers, equipped with high-gain antennas and advanced signal optimization technology, deliver superior connectivity compared to standard public safety approved cell phones and tablets.

Security is paramount in public safety communication, and cellular routers excel in this aspect. With support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and advanced encryption protocols, these routers offer an added layer of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the network. This heightened security ensures the confidentiality of communications among first responders, safeguarding critical information from unauthorized access.

Centralized management capabilities streamline the deployment and maintenance of cellular routers. IT administrators can efficiently monitor and configure multiple devices from a single interface, simplifying updates and reducing the administrative burden on public safety agencies.

Reliability is further reinforced through backup and redundancy mechanisms integrated into cellular routers. These mechanisms automatically switch between different networks, such as cellular and Wi-Fi, in the event of network outages, ensuring continuous connectivity for first responders even in challenging situations.

Durable and rugged design is another hallmark of cellular routers, making them well-suited for the harsh conditions often encountered in public safety operations. Extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and physical impacts pose no hindrance to the seamless operation of these routers, contributing to their reliability in demanding environments.

Public Safety Approved Devices 

Looking for a solution to use for your public safety needs? Check out the following supported devices from our vendors, and be sure to reach out to the 5Gstore team with any questions! 

Exploring Fixed Wireless Access Internet Service 

In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a game-changing solution, providing reliable internet connectivity to homes and businesses. FWA is offered by major telecom giants such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, allowing customers to enjoy high-speed internet without traditional wired connections. While FWA presents an exciting opportunity, it’s important to note that its availability is currently limited to select areas.

What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband internet service that delivers high-speed connectivity using wireless technology, eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure. FWA operates by establishing a wireless connection between a customer’s location and a nearby cell tower. This technology allows users to access the internet from a fixed location, whether it’s a residential home or a business establishment.

Limited Availability and Slot Constraints

At present, Fixed Wireless Access is only available in specific geographic areas where the telecom companies have deployed the necessary infrastructure. Unlike traditional wired broadband, FWA service coverage is dependent on the proximity of a cell tower. Due to this limitation, not all regions have access to FWA, making it essential for potential customers to check whether their area is eligible for this service.

Moreover, FWA service has a unique constraint that sets it apart from traditional internet offerings: the number of available slots per cell tower. Telecom companies cannot oversell FWA connections beyond the capacity of a given tower. This ensures that users connected to the tower can experience more consistent and reliable speeds without experiencing significant slowdowns during peak usage times.

Fixed Location Verification

Unlike mobile broadband, Fixed Wireless Access requires users to have a verified fixed location. This means that customers cannot use FWA for on-the-go connectivity like they would with mobile data plans. The verification process is crucial for maintaining network stability and ensuring that the service is provided to the intended location.

Variable Speeds Depend on Time of Day and Signal Quality

Even with limited access, the speed of Fixed Wireless Access connections can vary based on factors such as time of day and signal quality. During peak usage hours, such as evenings when many users are online, the network may experience increased congestion, leading to potential slowdowns in internet speed. Additionally, the quality of the signal between the customer’s location and the cell tower can impact the overall speed and stability of the connection. Using an external antenna can typically help in cases where the signal and/or signal quality may be too weak inside. 

FWA Highlights

FWA has many benefits for home and business owners. If you have availability in your area, it’s best to take advantage of the service ASAP before all slots are taken. If you’re on the fence about it, take into consideration the following highlights that showcase FWA’s potential:

  • Rural and Underserved Areas: FWA has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas where laying traditional wired infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or logistically challenging. This can empower rural communities with improved educational, economic, and social opportunities.
  • Quick Deployment: FWA offers a faster deployment timeline compared to laying physical cables. This agility is particularly valuable in disaster-stricken areas where rapid connectivity is crucial for emergency response, relief efforts, and communication restoration.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: For both service providers and customers, FWA can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional wired broadband solutions. It eliminates the need for extensive underground cabling and associated infrastructure costs.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The absence of extensive physical infrastructure reduces the environmental impact associated with laying cables and digging trenches, contributing to a more sustainable approach to connectivity expansion.
  • Business Connectivity: FWA offers a reliable and high-speed internet option for small businesses and startups, enabling them to establish and maintain their online presence without the limitations of traditional wired connections.
  • Future-Proofing: As technology advances, FWA networks can be upgraded with minimal disruption, ensuring that users can benefit from evolving connectivity standards without major infrastructure overhauls.
  • Complementary Technology: FWA can complement existing wired and mobile networks, providing an additional layer of redundancy and network resilience, especially in areas prone to service disruptions.

Paving the Way for the Future of Fixed Connectivity

Fixed Wireless Access offered by telecom giants like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T represents a promising advancement in internet connectivity technology. By eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure, FWA brings the convenience of high-speed internet to more homes and businesses. However, its current limited availability and dependence on cell tower capacity mean that FWA is not yet accessible to everyone. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that FWA services will expand to cover more areas and improve the overall online experience for users in the future.

T-Mobile First to Provide Up to 3.3Gbps on 5G SA Network

After successful tests back in May, T-Mobile announced on Tuesday that it has deployed four-carrier aggregation for customers. This boosts speeds on its 5G standalone (SA) network. The carrier says the speeds are “insanely fast,” which according to them, means up to 3.3Gbps! While it is only available in parts of the U.S. now, it will be nationwide in only a few weeks. 

5G carrier aggregation allows T-Mobile to combine multiple 5G channels (or carriers) to deliver greater speed and performance. The Un-carrier is using four 5G channels of sub-6 GHz spectrum – two channels of 2.5 GHz Ultra Capacity 5G, one channel of 1900 MHz and one channel of 600 MHz spectrum. They’ve compared it to taking four separate highways and turning them into a massive superhighway. 

Customers with the Samsung Galaxy S23 will be the first to experience four-carrier aggregation with more devices to follow. And don’t forget, T-Mobile also provides these customers with VoNR access, which is voice calling over the 5G network. Customers connected to VoNR may notice slightly faster call set-up times, meaning less delay between the time they dial a number and when the phone starts ringing. More importantly though, VoNR enables advanced capabilities like network slicing that rely on a continuous connection to a 5G core.

How T-Mobile is Speeding Up Their 5G Upload Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash. — May 4, 2023 Speed … UP! T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced today it achieved another 5G U.S. first by leveraging uplink (UL) carrier aggregation in the field on the country’s only nationwide 5G standalone (SA) network. Working with Nokia and a test smartphone powered by Snapdragon® 5G Modem-RF System from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the Un-carrier hit a top UL speed of 207 Mbps in the test – the fastest ever recorded using sub-6 GHz spectrum! This comes just weeks after T-Mobile made the same move in the lab, hitting similar speeds.

“T-Mobile has led the industry with 5G standalone since 2020, and we’re continuing to drive breakthroughs that advance 5G technology around the globe,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “We’re building the most advanced 5G network in the world, opening the door for massive innovation and laying the foundation for new capabilities that will transform the world around us.”

5G carrier aggregation allows T-Mobile to combine multiple channels (or carriers) to deliver greater speed and performance. In this test, the Un-carrier merged two 5G channels of mid-band spectrum – 2.5 GHz Ultra Capacity 5G and 1900 MHz. That’s like taking two separate highways and turning them into a superhighway where traffic can zoom faster than before. Customers with compatible devices will begin taking advantage of UL 5G carrier aggregation early next year when T-Mobile begins rolling it out.

This is just the latest in a series of important 5G SA milestones for T-Mobile. The Un-carrier was the first in the world to launch a nationwide 5G SA network in 2020 – one that remains the ONLY nationwide 5G SA network in the U.S. Since then, T-Mobile has been driving toward a true 5G-only experience for customers by spearheading advancements like carrier aggregation and VoNR.

T-Mobile is the leader in 5G, delivering the country’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network. The Un-carrier’s 5G network covers 326 million people across 2 million square miles – more than AT&T and Verizon combined. 275 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, and the Un-carrier plans to reach 300 million people with Ultra Capacity – nearly everyone in the country – this year.