Verizon and AT&T turned on a major new portion of their 5G networks on 19th January, capping a years-long process in which both providers invested billions in spectrum and equipment to improve their networks.
The networks that went live on 19th January are employing C-band wavelengths to cover a huge portion of the country with wireless coverage that is expected to be noticeably quicker than current 4G service.
In big areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Verizon claims that 90 million people will have access to the new 5G service this month. By the end of the year, AT&T expects its C-band network to reach up to 75 million people.
The launch brings both providers' substantial 5G efforts to fruition. Last year, Verizon paid $45.5 billion to gain the rights to the wavelengths it uses for its network in a federal auction. More than $23 billion was spent by AT&T. Since then, the carriers have invested billions more to build the networks and place equipment on cell towers.
"We've spent $40 billion or so just to get the spectrum." Then there's the fact that we've had to put money into the fund to assist clear the spectrum. So, you know, we're looking at $53 billion," Verizon Chief Technology Officer Kyle Malady said. Verizon plans to spend $10 billion over the next three years to expand its network, according to him.
'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'
In the United States, several kinds of 5G were already available to cell phone subscribers.
Verizon and AT&T already provide two different types of 5G services. Low-band service covers a vast area at about the same rates as before, whereas millimeter-wave service covers considerably smaller locations, such as street corners or sports stadiums, at significantly faster speeds.
T-Mobile has been offering "mid-band" 5G since 2020, using separate frequency on the 2.5GHz band it acquired when it bought Sprint. T-Mobile claims that their network reaches 186 million people in the United States.
The C-band networks, on the other hand, are launching on Wednesday. They make use of newly available wavelengths, ranging from 3.7 to 3.98GHz that are capable of traveling vast distances while still carrying enough data to provide speedier internet connections.
These wavelengths' unique features led to a high auction price, and they've been dubbed the "Goldilocks band" in the industry because they're perfectly positioned for 5G services.
"It's fantastic all the way through." "You have a lot of bandwidth, it propagates well, and it travels through walls," Malady explained. "I give credit to the US government for auctioning off a lot of spectrum." This is a rare occurrence. And that's why we went all out in the auction to win it."
The C-band networks, on the other hand, are launching on Wednesday. They make use of newly available wavelengths, ranging from 3.7 to 3.98GHz that are capable of traveling vast distances while still carrying enough data to provide speedier internet connections.
These wavelengths' unique features led to a high auction price, and they've been dubbed the "Goldilocks band" in the industry because they're perfectly positioned for 5G services.
"It's fantastic all the way through." "You have a lot of bandwidth, it propagates well, and it travels through walls," Malady explained. "I give credit to the US government for auctioning off a lot of spectrum." This is a rare occurrence. And that's why we went all out in the auction to win it."
Now Verizon and AT&T must demonstrate that their investments will pay off in the form of improved wireless service in order to persuade customers to upgrade to more expensive 5G plans and open up new markets, such as replacing cable internet access in homes.
"What is the return on investment in 5G?" Last October, Credit Suisse analysts enquired. "While the transition from 4G to 5G has resulted in more capable wireless networks, the benefits to operators appear to be less than expected" (and less than hyped.) ”
"While 5G defensively helps networks keep up with traffic and customer expectations," Credit Suisse analyst Douglas Mitchelson wrote, "it is not the force moving consumers up operators' tier lineup."
Verizon unveiled new plans earlier this month that include 5G coverage and unlimited internet. AT&T's unlimited plans include 5G service as well.
On your phone, look for the 5Guw or 5G+ icon.
Verizon's rollout, according to Malady, could take up to 12 hours when the network goes live from the East Coast to the West Coast.
According to the carriers, anyone with compatible phones will notice the network icon at the top of their smartphone screen change on Wednesday and will be able to access peak download rates 10 times faster than on an LTE network.
Subscribers on Verizon's new network will see "5Guw," which stands for 5G ultra-wideband. "5G+" will be available to AT&T customers.
Apple's iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, as well as newer Samsung Galaxy phones, are compatible with the new network. After the article was published, a Verizon spokesman told that the Pixel 6 would be certified soon. Users must also be on a plan that offers 5G access.