T-Mobile has achieved speeds of over 3 Gbps on its standalone 5G (5G SA) network by combining multiple spectrum channels using carrier aggregation.
The US mobile operator combined two batches of spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band with one in the 1900 MHz band to effectively create 210 MHz of mid-range capacity to achieve the desired transmission rate.
T-Mobile says it’s the first time an operator has accomplished such a feat on a live production network using a commercial device – in this case, a Samsung Galaxy S22 powered by Qualcomm’s technology – and that customers have been able to see the benefits. sooner or later.
Broadband 5G FWA
Carrier aggregation is already used by T-Mobile in some parts of its network, with customers being able to access both 2.5 GHz channels.
The third additional 1900MHz channel will be added later this year, allowing anyone with a Galaxy S22 to experience the prime baud rate.
“This trial demonstrates the incredible power of the mid-band spectrum and represents another major breakthrough for autonomous 5G,” said Neville Ray, president of technology at T-Mobile. “Only T-Mobile is delivering a nationwide autonomous 5G network to customers today, and we are leading the way with new performance-enhancing features that deliver incredible speeds and deliver on our vision of creating the highest-capacity network in the country.”
T-Mobile claims its 5G network now covers 315 million people in the US, with 225 million of those able to access the faster ‘Ultra Capacity 5G’ service. The last number is expected to reach 260 million later this year and 300 million in 2023.
The magenta-obsessed operator has started releasing Voice over New Radio (VoNR) (opens in new tab)in some locations, allowing users to make and receive phone calls using 5G, arguing that this will ensure a more consistent and higher quality 5G experience.