What is high band 5G? High-band 5G typically operates in the range of 24 GHz to 39 GHz. These frequency bands are also known as millimeter waves (mmWave). The amount of high-band spectrum available gives mmWave breathtaking performance. However, these high-energy waves travel shorter distances. Millimeter wave frequency bands are currently most commonly used in dense urban environments and crowded venues due to the speeds and capacities they support.
Access to more spectrum means a better experience
Frequency licenses in each country are managed by governing bodies. In the United States, this is handled by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), which work with other agencies to decide how to allocate spectrum. Prior to this year, the FCC held regular auctions where companies could bid to license specific spectrum frequency bands. (FCC leadership recently appealed to leaders on Capitol Hill to restore the FCC’s authority to hold spectrum auctions.)
An example of a previous auction is the C-band spectrum auction held in 2021. With that auction, Verizon was able to add an average of 161 MHz of C-band nationwide. Verizon has an industry-leading spectrum portfolio that includes low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum and is actively deploying this spectrum to expand the reach and capabilities of 5G.
Currently, Verizon has licensed a total of 295 MHz of low-band and mid-band spectrum and 1,741 MHz of high-band spectrum. And customers will continue to benefit from this competitive advantage. In fact, Verizon’s spectrum position is one of the reasons Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband is now available to more than 200 million Americans (two Americans to three Americans).
Verizon also recognizes that efficient use of spectrum is a key element of success; spectrum is a finite resource. This is important whether you are a mobile phone customer or a manufacturer looking to implement Internet of Things (IoT) technology into your production. line. “We have a long history of efficiently leveraging our assets,” Koeppe says. “Spectrum efficiency is critical as we expand our network and define new automated and customized ways for our customers to use it.”
And its use will continue to expand. The demand for data on wireless networks is expected to increase rapidly, with some predicting that within five years they will need to carry seven times the current data load. To meet that demand, Verizon and other carriers will need access to more 5G-friendly spectrum, especially 5G mid-band spectrum. One recent study concluded that to accommodate subscriber usage patterns, the industry will need at least 1,400 MHz of additional mid-band spectrum by 2032. Given these trends, Verizon believes policymakers need to start now to identify pipelines of spectrum that can power future wireless networks and maintain the reliable performance customers expect. I am.
Verizon is America’s most reliable 5G network.1 See what you can do with 5G.
1. Based on RootMetrics® #1 ranking of 125 metropolitan area ratings for the second half of 2022. Your experience may vary. Not recommended. Tested using the best smartphones on the market on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experience may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of Verizon.
