AT&T switched-on low-band 5G in ten parts of the US, building on a swathe of launches for its mmWave-based service to select groups of customers and businesses made earlier this year.
The move sets its head-to-head with T-Mobile US [1], which already offers low-band 5G services in major cities and towns across the country, having drastically expanded its footprint earlier this month.
Services using mmWave provide faster data rates, but cover a much smaller geographical range compared with alternative frequency ranges. Speeds on low-band frequencies are lower, but offer better geographic and indoor coverage [2].
The operator promoted its latest launch in late November [3], though without a specific date. It aims to offer nationwide coverage in H1 2020.
AT&T Mobility SVP Kevin Petersen said: “Today’s launch sets the stage for the development of new and immersive experiences as we prepare to deliver AT&T 5G nationwide in the coming months.”
Rival Verizon currently offers 5G over mmWave, while Sprint uses mid-band spectrum.
[1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/t-mobile-makes-nationwide-5g-play/[2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/att-defends-5g-rollout-pace-as-it-preps-for-sa/
[3] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/att-extends-5g-to-the-masses/
