The third spectrum bucket where CSPs deploy 5G is in the millimeter wave spectrum – 24 GHz band and higher on the spectrum chart.
The GSMA recommends that CSPs support millimeter wave spectrum in the 26 GHz, 40 GHz, 50 GHz, and 66 GHz bands for mobile services. However, the association notes that spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz have strong momentum from CSPs. They added that these bands are adjacent, making it easier for handsets to support them.
Millimeter wave (high-band) spectrum is limited because signals cannot travel as far as mid and low-band signals. Sometimes, the signal will travel less than a mile and is more susceptible to interference from things such as trees, buildings, and even glass. But the benefit of millimeter wave spectrum is that if the signal is unencumbered, users can get connection speeds between 1 Gbps to 3 Gbps or even higher.
Besides its low-band 5G offering, AT&T has a high-band 5G deployed in its 36 GHz band millimeter wave spectrum. It offers extra speed and capacity for high-traffic areas, such as transportation hubs, campuses and arenas.
Verizon has a substantial spectrum portfolio across low, mid, and high bands, holding 1,741 MHz of millimeter wave spectrum (high band). Continuing to expand its mmWave footprint, Verizon hopes to deliver game-changing experiences for the most utilized parts of the network.
In earnings calls with investors, Verizon executives have said that millimeter wave spectrum works better than many experts thought. The company uses beam-forming technology coupled with 5G small cells to get more coverage.
