5G has become one of the biggest buzzwords over the last few years but is now moving closer to the mainstream. The evolution from 4G to 5G requires a whole new set of standards and frequency bands to provide 5G’s speed and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) that consumers and businesses expect. While AT&T and Verizon are building their 5G network on high-band mmWave frequency, characterized by limited distances and high speeds, Sprint and T-Mobile took a different approach using mid-band and low-band spectrum to power their 5G networks. Now that Sprint and T-Mobile’s merger is complete, the spectrum they each are using for 5G complement each other and position them well against other major carriers.
Sprint brings to the merger its mid-band 2.5 GHz spectrum, which is excellent for providing faster speeds and downloads but is less suitable for broad coverage. Conversely, the low-band 600 MHz used in T-Mobile’s 5G provides excellent coverage. The New T-Mobile will combine these two bands to create a robust, reliable high-speed 5G network. According to a recent report from Ookla, the activation of Sprint’s 2.5 GHz in Philadelphia has already doubled the speeds of T-Mobile’s 5G network there, demonstrating the benefits.
When it comes to deploying in-building 5G networks for the New T-Mobile, we are proud to be the only distributed antenna system (DAS) OEM capable of supporting the entirety of both 600 MHz and 2.5 GHz frequency bands with our modular ADXV platform. ADRF also plans to release DAS and repeater solutions supporting mmWave frequency bands for all major carriers. ADRF’s DAS is built for the future, capable of supporting LTE as well as upgrading to 5G when necessary.
The integration of two of the country’s largest carriers — T-Mobile and Sprint — marks a milestone in the road to 5G. The partnership creates a perfect collaboration of 5G capabilities to support consumers and businesses. We are excited to work with all major carriers as they continue to expand 5G indoors.
For more information on ADRF’s 5G DAS and repeater solutions, visit: http://adrftech.com/adrf-5g-solutions/