A new 700 MHz network is headed to the Big Apple. T-Mobile US CEO John Legere announced via the live-streaming app, Periscope, that the carrier will launch a Band 12 LTE network in New York City in the near future.
A viewer captured the announcement as it happened live. In typical Legere fashion, he is brash and bold in his announcement. And of course he had some choice words for his new-found nemesis, Donald Trump. Watch the announcement below. Warning: there is some strong language toward the end.
T-Mobile US purchased the 700 MHz spectrum from Verizon Wireless in 2014 as part of a larger deal, but had been quiet about the New York City plans until Legere made the announcement.
For quite some time the major hurdle to T-Mobile US’ low frequency spectrum implementation in New York and other major cities throughout the U.S. has been television broadcast channel 51 interference. T-Mobile US reportedly struck a deal that will allow it to move past this obstacle. What makes this a win for New Yorkers is that the 700 MHz band allows for a stronger connection. The low band frequency can pass through concrete walls and other objects that are difficult to penetrate.
In order to get connected, New Yorkers will be required to purchase a compatible device. Those include the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Avant, Google Nexus 6, LG Leon LTE, LG G Stylo, LG G4, HTC One M9 and Alcatel Lucent OneTouch Pop Astro. It appears if you own an Apple device, you are out of luck for now as iPhone models do not currently support Band Class 12.
There is currently no exact timetable for the activation of the network.
