The network vendors will be involved in 5G deployment, which will include tapping T-Mobile’s 600 MHz spectrum
With T-Mobile eyeing a 2020 nationwide 5G network launch with its 600 MHz spectrum portfolio supporting broad coverage, vendors Ericsson and Nokia agree that the 600 MHz band is a big opportunity.
Many pre-standard 5G trials, including from Nokia and Ericsson, have focused on 5G in millimeter wave bands, which provide massive capacity but very challenging propagation characteristics.
“The 600 MHz spectrum will allow 5G to be deployed nationwide, bringing the ultimate experiences to T-Mobile’s enterprise customers and consumers throughout the United States,” Borje Ekholm, Ericsson president and CEO, said. “We will support T-Mobile US with 5G radio development for this spectrum. Commercial availability of the product will be aligned with 3GPP standardization and ecosystem support.”
Nokia said T-Mobile’s spectral plans are consistent with its multi-radio platform approach. “The 5G networks of tomorrow have the ability to usher in tremendous commercial opportunities for service providers, vertical industries and new entrants,” Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri said. “With its future network plans to pursue mobile 5G on 600 MHz, we stand ready to take T-Mobile into the next decade.”
T-Mobile said it will lead 3GPP certification related to 5G in the 600 MHz band. In the recent Federal Communications Commission incentive auction, T-Mobile was the big spender. The carrier said it’s expecting this year to have access to at least 10 megahertz of 600 MHz spectrum covering more than 1 million square miles. The carrier cited claims by vendors Ericsson and Nokia that they planned to have 600 MHz-enabled network equipment available this year that would allow T-Mobile US to begin deploying spectrum support, as well as a statement from Qualcomm that it would be introducing smartphone chipsets to support the 600 MHz band.
