T-Mobile uses the 600MHz band as their 5G UW band. It doesn't effect the airlines but does affect Verizon's ONTs video band with cell towers close to outdoor installations. Makes the video feed unwatchable in the 550-700MHz with MER in the 35-40dB range.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
AT&T and Verizon Now Rolling Out C-Band 5G Spectrum
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Personally, I didn't really need faster 5G on my iPhone. Certainly not if it is going to involve aircraft dropping from the sky due to incorrect radio altimeter readings. Heck, I'd just settle for my voice calls not endlessly dropping out and disconnecting. No matter how advanced each generation of iPhone gets, the quality of voice calling seems to be the killer app they cannot ace. And a facet of the experience that makes me long for the quality of the twisted copper landlines of old.
I have the premium plan too on a 13 PM mostly because I get Apple Music, Hulu, and Disney+ for free with it along with a first responder discount, it’s about a wash if not saving a few bucks rather than laying out for these subscriptions, which we do use.
With the exception of a few places along the highway today for a fleeting moment, my area has no C band coverage. Neither work or home.
More often than not, VZW and VZW have disappointed me when it comes to deployments. According to The Verge, VZW has stated that todays deployment is complete, so if you’re not getting it now, it’s not coming tomorrow morning either. We went through the same thing with the Fios deployment.
And I’m not in the sticks. I’m unwinding after work watching Acela trains go up and down the NE Corridor about 1/2 mile from I-95. So I guess a lot of people will end up disappointed today…
I agree with this but this post has good information.
@Bryan Bowler
U.S. Airlines Warn of 'Catastrophic' Crisis With Impending 5G Rollout, AT&T and Verizon Agree to Delay Around Airports
I am very short on time this week, but as a pilot, I will attempt to answer a few of the questions being posted here. The FAA is tasked with protecting public safety. The band being rolled out by AT&T and Verizon is right next to the frequencies used by the special altimeter systems that we...forums.macrumors.com
This is great info. Other details most people seem to be overlooking (or not aware of):
- Antenna's in the U.S., generally speaking, are ramped up and putting out more power than many other countries
- Antenna's in the U.S., again generally speaking, are in the vertical position, rather than tilted or even pointing downward or horizontal
The FAA gains nothing by pushing back on this so hard. Airlines might - as they could request funds for upgrades. But the FAA has no incentive other than public safety (or government power I guess?) to push so hard on this.
That's a long time. But I suppose for boomers that work at a glacial pace, they need even longer.
Is that true? Strong enough to overwhelm a fiber interface? I can’t find a reference to it. Still, an MER of 35-40dB doesn’t seem that bad…. Even 256 QAM only needs just over 30dB, I think?
Not sure why T-Mobile commissioned the study since they didn’t invest much into C-band, but it’s the one the FCC referenced in their decision.
Last edited:
The FAA issue is frequently talked about but there are issues for weather reporting too.
Study Shows 5G Wireless Can Lead to Inaccurate Weather Forecasts | Rutgers University Foundation
Upcoming 5G wireless networks that will provide faster cell phone service may lead to inaccurate weather forecasts, according to a Rutgers study on a controversial issue that has created anxiety among meteorologists.support.rutgers.edu
Two completely different issues here. The FAA issue is about C-Band, the ~3.4Ghz 5G band that is already in widespread use around the world, but not the USA until now.
The issue with weather satellites concerns mmWave 5G at 24-29 Ghz, which has been used in the USA (and a few other countries) since 2019 or so.
Verizon 5G UW running great here in Kansas City and Overland Park KS.
Inside my house about a mile from the nearest tower, getting speeds around 200 mbps down and 5-10 up. Only on two bars too! Can’t wait to see what speeds I get with full signal.
Inside my house about a mile from the nearest tower, getting speeds around 200 mbps down and 5-10 up. Only on two bars too! Can’t wait to see what speeds I get with full signal.
What I’m getting in the Chandler area.
Attachments
Not for too much longer though.
Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
.right { float: right; width: 38%; margin-left: 5px;} .left { float: left; width: 32%; } .bottomp
I stopped getting excited over 5G when all my speedtests with full bars signal on 5G nets me very slow speeds (often worse than LTE).
I have Verizon and live north Austin (Domain), I’m still on 5G and sometimes even LTE. ??♂️
I actually drove through a 5G+ area on January 3 in Boynton Beach, FL. Very odd placement IMO. Just happened to notice the cellular indicator. It's no joke. Here's the location incase anyone lives nearby and wants to check it out.
and the speed results
and the speed results
Who told you VZW is not supporting MVNO's? I'm using Xfinity Mobile and while I'm not seeing 5G UW today I have seen it in downtown SLC on the mmWave part of VZW's network.
UPDATE:
Ran a speed test outside about 1/4 mile away from the tower. Blown away by the results. This is incredible.
Attachments
Those speeds are flying for Verizon in AZ ??. Verizon sucks so bad here. I switched to AT&T a while ago.
Umm. My LTE speeds are 42.3 down and my 5G UW speeds are 42.2 down.
Hmmmm
My 5G mmWave speeds exceed 1Gb, tho.
Hmmmm
My 5G mmWave speeds exceed 1Gb, tho.
I'm a meteorologist and I believe these concerns are overblown.The FAA issue is frequently talked about but there are issues for weather reporting too.
Study Shows 5G Wireless Can Lead to Inaccurate Weather Forecasts | Rutgers University Foundation
Upcoming 5G wireless networks that will provide faster cell phone service may lead to inaccurate weather forecasts, according to a Rutgers study on a controversial issue that has created anxiety among meteorologists.
So that explains the plane that crashed in my backyard earlier today.
Yup I’m in Phoenix and I saw UW all over Phoenix, Verizon does keep it promises when they expand coverage and my speeds are amazing !
switched from att to Verizon, getting UW all over chandler now it’s great and super fast now !