UPDATE UScellular (NYSE: USM) announced that it has received full access to the 5G C-band spectrum it was awarded from Auction 107 in March 2021. Early spectrum clearing by satellite operators has allowed the company to expand its 5G network faster than anticipated. In Auction 107, the company won a total of 254 C-band licenses in 100 PEAs across its 21-state operating territory, according to FCC reports.
Earlier this year, UScellular upgraded more than 440 cell sites in preparation for this spectrum access, Inside Towers reported. Now, the company says it can activate this mid-band spectrum for enhanced 5G service in the coming weeks – three months ahead of schedule. UScellular points out that C-band spectrum technology brings faster data speeds and more capacity and enhances the network performance for customers.
“This early access to our C-band spectrum allows us to accelerate our plans and bring a superior network experience to more mobile and Home Internet customers earlier than expected,” said Mike Irizarry, UScellular EVP & CTO. “Additional spectrum access is important as we advance our mission to connect people to what matters most.”
This 5G network expansion phase using C-band builds on UScellular’s 3.45 GHz mid-band spectrum launch in 10 states earlier this year.
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