T-Mobile has achieved speeds in excess of 3 Gbps on its standalone 5G network (5G SA) by combining multiple spectrum channels using carrier aggregation.
The US mobile operator combined two batches of spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band with another in the 1900 MHz band to effectively create 210 MHz mid-range capacity to achieve the desired transmission speed.
T-Mobile says it’s the first time an operator has delivered 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 customers will see the benefits sooner than later. might see later.
5G FWA Broadband
Carrier aggregation is already being used by T-Mobile in some parts of its network, with customers accessing the two 2.5GHz channels.
The additional third 1900MHz channel will be added later this year, so anyone with a Galaxy S22 can experience its core transmission speed.
“This test demonstrates the incredible power of mid-band spectrum and represents another huge step forward for standalone 5G,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Only T-Mobile is today delivering a nationwide stand-alone 5G network to customers, and we are blazing a trail with new performance-enhancing capabilities that generate 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, 225 million of whom have access to the fastest ‘Ultra Capacity 5G’ service. The latter figure is expected to reach 260 million later this year and 300 million by 2023.
Magenta-obsessed operator has begun rolling out Voice over New Radio (VoNR) (opens in new tab)in some locations, allowing users to make and receive calls using 5G, arguing that this will ensure a higher quality and more consistent 5G experience.