T-Mobile today announced the launch of 5G in the 2.5 GHz band (AKA mid-band or band 41) in nearly 200 new cities and towns this month, bringing its total 5G coverage in this band to nearly 410 cities and towns. T-Mobile is currently the only carrier with licenses for any significant amount of mid-band spectrum in the US. Mid-band provides a better balance of potential data speeds vs. coverage, compared to other bands currently used for 5G in the US. The launch includes several major markets such as New Haven, Wichita, St. Louis, Hoboken, Newark, Asheville, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Allentown, Knoxville, Manassas, Richmond, Milwaukee, Aurora (IL), and Troy (NY). T-Mobile plans to cover 100 million people with mid-band 5G by the end of the year. The FCC is in the process of auctioning off several new swaths of mid-band spectrum for 5G, which will allow competing carriers to offer similar 5G service. Verizon spent $1.9 billion for licenses in the most recent mid-band auction.


More...