U.S. carrier T-Mobile has made a successful 5G data call and video call on 600 MHz both on a live commercial network in partnership with Ericsson and Intel. T-Mobile also accomplished a tri-band 5G video call with three users on different spectrum bands – 600 MHz, 28 GHz and 39 GHz.

According to the company, during the tests, the teams generated a 5G signal capable of covering more than a thousand square miles from a single tower. The tests represent a step forward for the multi-band spectrum strategy the New T-Mobile plans to use with transformative next-generation 5G technology.

Together with Sprint, the New T-Mobile will have the critical mid-band spectrum to enable broad AND deep nationwide 5G coverage. The New T-Mobile, when approved, will provide 5G to customers on multiple spectrum bands, including low-band, mid-band and millimeter wave, to ensure the benefits of 5G can reach everyone. Low-band 600 MHz spectrum delivers a broad layer of 5G and provides much-needed balance to millimeter wave (mmW) – which is an important piece of the 5G puzzle – but has limited coverage (less than a square mile) and is unable to pass through most objects, like walls. 

Visitors at CES will be able to check out T-Mobile’s future 5G network in action at T-Mobile’s booth (Westgate - 1013). A live 5G demonstration will show attendees how low-band spectrum is able to penetrate physical barriers like windows and doors, while mmW cannot.

T-Mobile plans to deliver nationwide 5G in 2020, deploying 5G-ready equipment as they roll out 600 MHz Extended Range LTE, which is already live in more than 1,500 cities and towns in 37 states and Puerto Rico.