Frequency bands for 5G New Radio (NR) are separated into two frequency ranges: It was only with Release 15 that the telecom standards body 3GPP extended the spectrum ranges available for mobile networks. Up until and including 4G LTE, operators have been deploying networks in the sub-6 GHz spectrum. Such speeds can only be delivered utilizing the mmWave spectrum band. Oftentimes, consumers complain about 5G speeds, sold on the promise of ultra-fast mobile networks. MmWave spectrum allocation and commercialization

RootMetrics® tested mmWave performance simulating congested network environments and concluded that even in such conditions, mmWave spectrum could achieve four times faster throughput than mid- and low-band spectrum.

shows mmWave is achieving mind blowing speeds - almost 1.6 Gbps median 5G download speed - 26 times faster than the median 5G speed on low-band, almost seven times faster than the C-band, and four times than mid-band. While support for mmWave spectrum bands across smartphones is skewed heavily towards the U.S., an increase in spectrum launches and networks combined with a declining ASP should lead to a growing adoption worldwide.

Due to the limited rollout of mmWave 5G networks, the device ecosystem has lagged behind other 5G spectrum bands.However, we see a renewed interest, which could lead to more spectrum allocations and network launches. After initial enthusiasm, operators’ appetite for the mmWave band spectrum has been lackluster, with only two auctions taking place in 2022.

At the same time, it comes with a challenge because of its limited range, which can be easily blocked or obscured, necessitating a high degree of network densification, which comes with additional Capex.

5G connectivity using mmWave substantially improves 5G performance (increasing theoretical speeds to up to 5 Gbps).

mmWave received additional spectrum as part of Release 17, in addition to the spectrum already allocated by Rel-15 and WRC-19.

In this article, we will look at the real-life performance of mmWave in the United States, reflect on its progress so far across the globe, and discuss what the future holds.

Spectrum speed test ookla