Recent speed tests released by Ookla showed that 5G performance in the U.S. continues to improve as more mid-band spectrum becomes available. Speedtest Intelligence data indicates a clear correlation between the release of additional mid-band spectrum, 5G performance, and consumer sentiment for 5G networks, with all three national wireless providers benefitting over the past six months.
“This sends a clear message to the FCC and other regulators” Ookla stated in its analysis, “of the benefits of allocating additional spectrum for cellular use, as advocated for by industry bodies such as the CTIA, CCA and GSMA.”
In March, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) gained access to additional 2.5 GHz spectrum it won at Auction 108 in 2022. Ookla said T-Mobile is already beginning to see the impact of this, adding extra capacity to its 5G network and boosting performance in rural U.S. locations in particular. In just one month, the tests showed T-Mobile’s median download performance across the U.S. increased by 29.64 Mbps to 287.14 Mbps.
“Its recent agreement to acquire the bulk of US Cellular’s (NYSE: USM) wireless operations and a portion of its spectrum holdings will help it further reinforce its competitive lead,” Ookla stated in its analysis.
Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T) have both benefited from the early vacating of C-band spectrum by satellite providers for the licenses acquired through Auction 107 in February 2021. AT&T acquired additional 3.45 GHz licenses, former U.S. Department of Defense spectrum, made available through Auction 110 which concluded in January 2022. All three major carriers have since been upgrading their sites to support their new spectrum frequencies.
The Speedtest showed T-Mobile was intent on holding its leading position. C-band spectrum allowed Verizon, in particular, to play catch-up during Q4 2023, recording download speeds of 224.67 Mbps, and AT&T with 145.36 Mbps. Additional spectral capacity will also help fuel further growth of 5G.
The study concluded that with Fixed-Wireless Access services, mobile network operators have had to be selective in signing up new fixed customers in order to manage capacity.
While the U.S. ranks highly on 5G performance, 5G Service, and 5G Availability metrics versus other leading 5G markets globally, there have remained wide disparities in 5G performance between U.S. states, and between urban and rural locations. Recent mid-band spectrum deployments are starting to shift the needle for a number of states and rural communities.
5G upload and latency performance need more attention, according to the test. To date, capacity gains from additional spectrum are being directed almost universally to boost 5G download performance, in part because 5G-NR TDD radios are being used in both 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands.
“While latency remains relatively static, we do see a consistent improvement from T-Mobile, a trend which will be important if the carrier is to differentiate itself on latency-critical applications in the future,” the survey said.
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