Last week, T-Mobile went on air to announce that they had upgraded hundreds of cell sites with mid-band LTE upgrades. This will mean that customers in the areas that got the upgrade can expect constant speeds even when the networks are busy. For this upgrade, T-Mobile focused on adding more 600MHZ and 700MHZ coverage in these areas. This addition is very strategic for T-Mobile because it will use these same frequencies when it rolls out 5G networks later on. All T-Mobile wireless users will benefit from this upgrade whether they work directly with T-Mobile or they access their T-Mobile services via third-party providers.
Benefits of this Upgrade
The upgrades by T-Mobile are important as they will help the carrier maintain high-quality call and data services for their clients even as they add more clients to their growing network. These mid-band LTE upgrades will keep T-Mobiles networks running smoothly. Customers, on the other hand, need not make any changes on their phones. They will notice that their network speeds will increase or at very least remain fast even during peak periods. So, here is everything you need to know about these upgrades:
Understanding LTE Bands
Different countries use different LTE frequency bands. Each country and its frequency band are given a number so carriers can know the limit of the frequency. This classification system is also critical when it comes to coordinating roaming services between different carriers across the globe. LTE data bands can operate on two modes names Frequency Division Duplex or Time Division Duplex. In this context, duplex simply refers to the ability of a communication channel to handle two-way communications. For example, one-way radio technology is half duplex as it can only allow communication in one direction at any given time.
FDD and TDD
FDD bands work with two bands namely one handling the uplink and the other handling the downlink. The two must be properly spaced in order to allow for filtering. TDD, on the other hand, works with a single band there is no paired spectrum on this transmission. The various frequencies are allotted numbers so, for example, LTE bands ranging from 1-22 are FDD while those ranging from 33-41 are for TDD.
Beneficiary Areas
Many areas have seen their cell towers upgraded under the initiative of T-Mobile. These include locations in California such as Anaheim, Artesia. Burbank and Dinuba among many others. Areas in Georgia with improved T-Mobile LTE data network coverage include Brunswick, Fairburn, Kennesaw, and Newnan among others. A comprehensive list of areas that have received this upgrade can be found here.
The bottom line for all T-Mobile subscribers is that they can expect better services from the carrier. T-Mobile prides itself as having one of the fastest networks in the United States and this upgrade can be viewed as the carrier working to stay in that position. Its much-anticipated merger with Sprint is also likely to bring thousands of new clients into its network and this helps the carrier prepare for that eventuality.
New Upgrade will enhance the functionality of your phones & devices.
The new upgrade by T-Mobile for its mid-band LTE coverage has been to the 600 MHz and 700 MHz spectrums. The new 600 MHz is very important for T-Mobile and its customers. It will help you get improved coverage if you have opted for the right phone or device.
T-Mobile has its 600 MHz coverage in 32 states across the US. That would mean the high end LTE coverage will not remain restricted to bigger cities anymore. You can find the best LTE coverage even outside the bigger cities.
T-Mobile acquired enough spectrum in the 600 MHz genre so as to cover the entire nation. With the latest mid LTE upgrade, it has implemented and activated the spectrum in over 900 cities across 32 states. In fact, out of those 900 cities, 120 have received LTE coverage for the first time. That in itself should speak about the efficiency that the new upgrade has brought in when it comes to enhanced performance and network coverage.
Of course, the new spectrum will improve the performance, but only if you have the right phone that supports it. As things stand now, you will find only a handful of phones supporting 600 MHz frequency. A few phones from Samsung, LG, Motorola, and OnePlus have support for the 600 MHz. However, you will find the new spectrum being supported on almost every new phone or device. Of course, it will take time for T Mobile to implement those frequencies across the entire length and breadth of the country.
It solves most of the network issues for T Mobile
T-Mobile has intentionally invested in the mid-band and low band frequency. They are known to be the best options for covering longer distances with ease. It can efficiently handle obstacles such as walls. It has been a long standing issue for T-Mobile, and this upgrade is set to offer better results.
The Extended Range LTE signals after this T Mobile exercise would offer a reachability of twice the distance from the tower and four times better inside the buildings. This would translate into a high degree of coverage and capacity for the telecom giant.
AT & T and Verizon have been the powerful players in the rural areas. The use of mid-band and low band spectrum has been one of the best options for T Mobile and has been something that would help it beat the competition from the two strong players.
The newly acquired spectrum would be the right step both for the operator and the customers alike.