T-Mobile has recently initiated the rollout of its new 5G technology, which utilizes carrier aggregation to deliver speeds of up to 3.3Gbps. This technology combines four different 5G channels into one, similar to the way Wi-Fi routers create a faster and more reliable connection. At present, only Samsung’s newer Galaxy S23 phones have the capability to handle this aggregated connection.
Notably, T-Mobile’s 5G speeds surpass those of mmWave 5G, which is heavily promoted by Verizon and AT&T. Ookla, a network speed testing company, recently reported download speeds of up to 1.6Gbps for mmWave 5G in the US. However, mmWave 5G has limitations in terms of range, device support, and susceptibility to obstacles like buildings and trees.
The four channels utilized by T-Mobile for carrier aggregation include repurposed 1,900MHz spectrum from the previously discontinued 3G networks of both T-Mobile and Sprint, along with two 2.5GHz channels and 600MHz. This rollout is already live in certain areas of T-Mobile’s network and will be available nationwide in the coming weeks, according to the company’s release. However, T-Mobile has not disclosed specific details regarding the exact locations where the technology is currently available.
T-Mobile’s senior communications manager, Justin Paulsen, confirmed that there are no specific plan requirements or limitations on connection speed for users to take advantage of the aggregated channels. However, access to the faster connection is currently limited to users with the Samsung Galaxy S23, which features the same Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem found in the OnePlus 11 5G.
Similar upgrades are also in progress by AT&T and T-Mobile’s competitors. AT&T announced earlier this year that it had aggregated two upload channels, while Verizon reported upload speeds exceeding 1Gbps and download speeds of up to 4.3Gbps in its testing. However, T-Mobile appears to have been the first among major US carriers to implement this technology in real-world use. Last year, the company announced that it had achieved a throughput of 3Gbps with carrier aggregation on a live, standalone 5G network, making it the first cell service provider to accomplish this.
Ulf Ewaldsson, the President of Technology at T-Mobile, emphasized that T-Mobile, as the sole provider with a standalone 5G network, is introducing game-changing technologies like four-carrier aggregation to the market. The company’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation has allowed it to stay ahead of its competitors and provide customers with unprecedented connection speeds.
In conclusion, T-Mobile has begun the rollout of its new 5G technology, utilizing carrier aggregation to deliver speeds of up to 3.3Gbps. This technology combines multiple 5G channels into one, creating a faster and more reliable connection. T-Mobile’s speeds surpass those of mmWave 5G, and the company’s approach to carrier aggregation sets it apart from its competitors. With the nationwide expansion of this technology in the coming weeks, T-Mobile is poised to revolutionize the 5G landscape and provide customers with unparalleled connection speeds.
