AT&T launched its “5G+” service in components of downtown Milwaukee – a moniker the operator makes use of to indicate the 5G service is delivered utilizing millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum.
AT&T was providing its 5G+ service solely to enterprise prospects until this past March, when it expanded its 5G+ service to customers with the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S20 collection. In July, AT&T claimed 5G protection nationwide utilizing sub-6 GHz spectrum.
In accordance with AT&T, the upper band spectrum means it’s capable of ship “unprecedented efficiency,” resembling obtain speeds of as much as 1 Gbps. The mmWave band AT&T is utilizing is 39 GHz, a spokesperson confirmed.
“Our prospects in Milwaukee are going to be blown away by their expertise with AT&T 5G+ on 5G+-enabled gadgets,” stated Tom Monahan, VPGM AT&T Wisconsin, in a statement. “The speeds we’re seeing on our 5G+ community are spectacular and can open up a variety of alternatives and experiences for purchasers and companies in Downtown Milwaukee.”
As with Verizon’s mmWave 5G, which regularly makes use of the 28 GHz band, AT&T’s 5G+ service has extraordinarily restricted protection within the markets the place it’s launched. AT&T’s says it’s properly suited to offering protection in densely populated and high-traffic areas like campuses, purchasing areas, hospitals and different enterprise areas.
In downtown Milwaukee, new areas for AT&T’s 5G mmWave embrace Fiserv Discussion board, Miller Park and the Deer District. That brings AT&T’s mmWave 5G markets to components of 36 cities throughout the nation.
AT&T acquired a head begin, so to talk, on its 39 GHz holdings when it acquired FiberTower in 2017. However it additionally picked up a large quantity within the final massive millimeter wave public sale that concluded in March. AT&T was one of many prime bidders in that public sale, which mixed the 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 47 GHz bands. Bidding below FiberTower Spectrum Holdings, AT&T received 3,267 licenses in 411 partial financial areas (PEAs), bidding about $2.38 billion. Verizon and T-Cell additionally have been massive spenders in that public sale.
RELATED: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile top spenders at mmWave 5G spectrum auction
With the Covid-19 pandemic, most massive public gatherings are off limits, however AT&T stated it’s prepared for when the tide turns.
“Whereas we all know massive gatherings are restricted in the intervening time, we’re excited for our prospects to expertise 5G+ speeds when occasions start once more in Downtown Milwaukee,” stated Scott VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin, in an announcement. “We’re pleased with our continued funding in Downtown Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.”
