Contrary to its earlier assertion that devices running at 3.45 GHz wouldn't be accessible until 2022, AT&T, the third-largest US carrier, would accept C-band devices.
US' Third-Largest Network Provider Will Now Support All C-Band Devices
The list of devices that can connect to the newest 5G mid-band networks from AT&T is constantly undergoing updates. The third-largest carrier in the country has told CNET that it will add support for the spectrum to all of its devices that currently support its C-band range. This contrasts with its initial statement that it might only enable support for its new 3.45 GHz network on some of the most cutting-edge 2022 devices.
At the time of publication, there were more than 30 items on that list, including all 5G iPhones dating back to the 2020 iPhone 12 line, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S22 lines, and the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
The provider did not provide a specific release date for the software changes, but Chris Sambar, AT&T's executive vice president of the network, said they should be available before the end of the year.
Since the 3.45 GHz spectrum will contribute to AT&T's mid-band 5G footprint, this upgrade will be significant for AT&T customers. By combining these mid-band 5G networks with the comparable C-band airwaves the carrier purchased last year, which cost $9.1 billion, it hopes to reach 200 million people by the end of 2023.
The coexistence of C-band and 3.45GHz frequencies, according to AT&T, may enhance performance. According to Sambar, "most" cell sites will have access to 3.45GHz and C-band frequencies.
Sambar states in an interview with CNET that the carrier's C-band network already reaches over 80 million people and that it aims to reach access to 100 million by the end of this year.
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AT&T 5G Plus is Now Available on iPhone 12 and Up
There is excellent news for AT&T 5G Plus customers: the faster service is now entirely usable by iPhone models 12 and higher, despite the fact that many individuals still lack access to upgraded 5G services with faster speeds. Only devices created after 2022 will be allowed to use the complete range of frequencies, according to a prior statement by the carrier.
Gigabit speeds were promised for the next 5G mobile communications standard when it was being developed. However, it was discovered that this would only be possible with mmWave 5G, which was more comparable to Wi-Fi in terms of availability and range.
Speeds have increased since 5G started despite interference from airport radio altimeters. The issue was caused by the carrier's secrets as well as the bureaucratic red tape. Each carrier independently defined 5G UC, 5G UWB, and 5G+. Later, new frequencies became available, and AT&T bid $9 billion to enter the 3.45GHz band in an FCC auction. These frequencies are AT&T 5G Plus together with C-Band.
It was immediately apparent that only users of Apple's iPhone 14 would have access to this newest range when AT&T first said that it would only be supported by smartphones introduced in 2022 and beyond.
However, CNET has some positive news in this area. By the middle of 2019, 200 million people should have access to 5G Plus, despite the fact that the additional spectrum won't be utilized until later in the year.
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