T-Mobile US claimed to have completed the world’s first 5G data call and video call using low-band 600MHz spectrum, in partnership with Intel and Ericsson.
In a statement, the operator, which has been pushing the benefits of using 600MHz for its 5G network since spending $8 billion on the spectrum in May 2017 [1], said the development brings it a step closer to delivering nationwide 5G.
The trials were conducted on a live commercial network, said T-Mobile, and included both successful uplink and downlink communication.
During the tests, the company said it was able to generate a 5G signal capable of covering more than 1,000sq/m from a single tower.
As part of its ambition to deliver 5G on multiple spectrum bands for nationwide coverage, the company said it also conducted a tri-band 5G video call with users on 600MHz, 28GHz and 39GHz spectrum bands.
Indeed, providing 5G to customers on low-band, mid-band and mmWave spectrum has also been heavily pushed by both T-Mobile and Sprint to the country’s regulators, as they seek approval for a $26 billion merger.
Best practice
CEO John Legere said in the statement both feats were major accomplishments for CTO Neville Ray and his team, “who had a vision for nationwide 5G and are building it out the right way”.
“While the other guys focus on 5G millimetre wave on a handful of blocks in a handful of cities, we’re building 5G for everyone everywhere. And together with Sprint, we’ll add much-needed spectrum depth, creating a truly transformative 5G network.”
The 600MHz test calls follow the completion of a 5G data transmission using the low-band spectrum in November 2018 in partnership with Nokia. [2]
At CES in Las Vegas this week, the company added it would demonstrate how low-band spectrum can penetrate physical barriers like windows and doors to provide deeper coverage.
T-Mobile is aiming to rollout nationwide 5G in 2020.
[1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/t-mobile-cto-ray-slams-verizon-att-5g-plans/[2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/t-mobile-us-adds-weight-to-nationwide-5g-ambitions/
