The top left or right side of your smartphone’s screen highlights the network icon obtainable in your present location depending on the carrier signal strength. Users will be able to access LTE, 5G, or 5G UC benefits according to the services offered by their preferred mobile operator.
The telecommunication terminologies indicate the type or generation of mobile networks made available to the final users. These terms play a vital role in determining the overall internet speed, efficiency, and performance of the network concerned. Here is a recap on mobile network generations:
- Analog voice services were made available in the 1980s through the development of the 1G network.
- Digital voice services were introduced with the 2G network in the 1990s.
- In the 2000s, the global population was introduced to the concept of mobile data with the 3G network.
- The 4G [LTE] network unlocked new use cases with the integration of smartphones.
- The 5G network now dominates the sector with superior connectivity benefits.
Since its initial rollout in 2019, 5G has been the buzzword within the telecommunications sphere. As per a recent survey, it is estimated that close to 1.9 billion individuals are subscribed to the 5G network. Such is the dominance and popularity of the 5G network as it allows users to access faster internet amenities paired with wider coverage over extended areas.
However, as is standard in every industry, we now look beyond the 5G network as new developments are rapidly being introduced. 5G UC is a trending topic that has piqued the interest of tech-savvy smartphone users.
Table of Contents
Understanding The 5G Spectrum
The aspect of communication dictates the modern world. Therefore, to meet the present demands of the global audience, mobile operators employ an amalgamation of spectrum bands to dispatch 5G services.
The development of the 5G network allows users to avail additional conveniences like wider coverage, faster mobile data, and low latency coupled with new use cases that incorporate IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Time-Critical Communication, and Network Slicing.
However, delivering effective 5G services presents the challenge of using considerable amounts of spectrum to mobile operators. The 5G spectrum refers to diverse classifications of radio frequencies under the sub-6 GHz and mmWave [millimetre-wave] frequencies extending to 24.25 GHz and beyond.
These radio frequencies are responsible for transferring data to the endpoint cell stations originating from a mobile device. LTE along with the 5G network relies on the utilisation of sub-6 GHz frequencies to function adequately. Here is a complete breakdown of the 5G spectrum that will help us to address the fundamental question, “What does 5G UC mean?”
A. Low Band Spectrum
Any spectrum lower than 1 GHz highlighted on the spectrum chart is classified as low band spectrum. The first generation of wireless networks was initially rolled out in low band 800MHz spectrum that is defined as analog cellular. Mobile operators assigned the term “Beachfront Property” to the low band spectrum due to its early desirability.
The architecture assisted network service providers to cater to the needs of thousands of users spread across large areas with the assistance of a single tower. The same technology is now incorporated to deliver comprehensive 5G services.
In turn, empowering the 5G network to dispatch enhanced speed and lower latency connectivity when compared with the limited bandwidth of 4G connectivity. The mobile device’s site proximity plays a critical role in determining the overall performance of the 5G network. However, the inclusion of a low band spectrum assists wireless signals to penetrate through physical barriers such as windows and walls more easily.
B. Mid Band Spectrum
It was recently announced that the midband spectrum occupies close to 60% of the aggregate frequencies allotted. The preference for midband spectrum is expected to continue in the telecommunications industry with the further development of 5G UC, 5G SA, and potentially 6G networks.
Midband spectrum, as the name suggests, ranges between 1 GHz to 6 GHz. It is the preferred architecture for supporting the 5G network as it can transfer large volumes of data over longer distances. Several countries already rely on this spectrum to enhance 5G services established at 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz respectively.
However, other mid-band radio frequencies are also being incorporated by nations such as China to establish a seamless 5G network. China employs frequencies scaling between 2.6 GHz to 3.5 GHz to effectively address capacity and coverage limitations.
C. High Band Spectrum
Mobile operators incorporate high band spectrum which consequently employs mmWave [millimeter-wave] frequencies extending from 24 GHz and higher. 26 GHz, 40 GHz, 50 GHz, and 66 GHz high band radio frequencies are used by mobile operators to support mmWave spectrum due to its adjacent properties.
The primary benefit of high band spectrum is that it offers superior internet speeds which may range between 1 Gbps and 3 Gbps. However, the radio frequencies do not possess the ability to travel long distances as an estimated limit of a mile is established.
The overall connectivity range of low and mid-band spectrums is superior coupled with a slower connection speed. Moreover, interruptions due to physical barriers such as trees and buildings can affect the overall performance of the high band spectrum.
What is 5G UC?
Now that we have gained a complete understanding of the 5G spectrums, let us address and acknowledge the 5G UC’s meaning. 5G Ultra Capacity or 5G UC refers to dedicated mid and high-band 5G services offered by T-Mobile. The 5G UC mobile network relies on 2.5 GHz frequencies with an additional capacity extending from 24 to 39 GHz assigned for denser locations.
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The adoption of the 5G UC architecture draws a clear line of distinction from the conventional T-Mobile Extended Range 5G which depends on the lowest 600 MHz frequencies. This specialized service is therefore highlighted as 5G UC in the network column on independent mobile devices.
T-Mobile was not the mobile operator to introduce this enhanced version of 5G. Other carrier networks such as Verizon established a similar service line with the development of the 5G UW network in 2020. Allocating an independent 5G UC icon was not initially prioritised by T-Mobile.
Several T-Mobile subscribers were already reaping the benefits of the enhanced 5G UC network without even realising it. However, the carrier network has made changes and employed a designated 5G UC icon to indicate the availability of the superior 5G network. Along with Verizon’s UW and T-Mobile’s UC, AT&T also works with its augmented 5G Plus network.
The Primary Benefits of 5G UC
A. Improved Speed
Carrier operators around the world are now looking to upgrade and establish an unparalleled 5G network that not only provides seamless coverage but also improves internet speed. The 5G UC network takes speed to the next level with an estimated 10 times faster performance when compared with the conventional 4G [LTE] network.
Thus, users can now effectively stream high-quality video content online, extract real-time information, and explore new use cases that were previously impossible to achieve.
B. Ultra Low Latency
Latency refers to the overall time taken by a mobile network to read and execute a command initiated by the final user. The development of T-Mobile’s 5G UC network has further improved latency standards. Thus, interacting with peers through video conferences can be initiated without any lag and in real-time.
Improvement in latency will also unlock new use cases such as time-critical communication which can be incorporated into various industries to elevate safety measures. Consequently, robotics integration in automobiles, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors will also get a significant boost.
C. Larger Capacity
The 5G network can support and accommodate a larger number of users compared to the previous mobile network generations. 5G offers a larger bandwidth that allows individuals to interact with 5 G-enhanced IoT devices.
Thus, encouraging the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Virtual Reality segments to develop. Businesses as well as public sector organisations will notably benefit from such upgrades.
Is 5G UC Faster than Regular 5G?
Yes! As T-Mobile’s 5G UC operates under higher radio frequencies with an additional mmWave capacity ranging between 24 to 39 GHz, it offers faster speed when compared to the regular 5G network. Users who do not require additional speed assistance can opt for the 5G Extended Range, offering improved range and standard internet speed.
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However, 5G UC amenities are restricted to specific locations such as major cities and important corporate areas due to its finite range and high infrastructure costs. Users have to be present within close proximities of these assigned locations to enjoy 5G UC benefits. Ensure to track the T-Mobile coverage map to gain more information about 5G UC-enhanced locations.
5G UC Vs. 5G UW Vs. 5G+: How Do They Compare?
After the development of the 5G network, mobile operators needed to determine and select the bands upon which the foundations of the network were to be laid.
Due to the limited access to high band 5G, carrier service providers were compelled to group mid and high-range services. Here is an overview of 5G UC, 5G UW, and 5G+ as offered by T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T respectively:
A. T-Mobile 5G UC
T-Mobile’s 5G UC network consisting of mid and high-band spectrums is only limited to major cities. T-Mobile made the initial move of developing an enhanced 5G network by adopting a 2.5 GHz mid band spectrum. However, users find it difficult to determine a 5G UC connection as the icon does not effectively highlight an independent smartphone network bar.
B. Verizon 5G UW
Verizon’s Ultra Wideband caters to both mid and high-band frequencies. The mobile operator allocated a considerable amount of investment to develop the advanced 5G network. However, due to the incorporation of high-band radio frequencies, accessing 5G UW signals is difficult even in major cities.
The 5G UW network was established in 2022 which influences faster internet speed and ultra-low latency levels. Users having gained access to the 5G UW signals can verify the connection by checking the network bar tab on their smartphones.
C. AT&T 5G+ [Plus]
AT&T’s 5G Plus offers similar services as 5G UC and 5G UW. However, the 5G+ coverage is only limited to a few stadiums and airports present in the United States of America. Users accessing these facilities can effectively connect with the 5G Plus signals to enjoy blistering fast internet speed.
AT&T has confirmed that the 5G Plus network is still in a development phase as the mobile operator continues to improve and enhance connectivity reach. A “5G+” icon will be updated on the mobile network bar when a user successfully connects with 5G Plus signals.
Conclusion
These were some of the foremost aspects concerning the 5G Spectrum and T-Mobile 5G UC network. Adopting high band radio frequencies allows carrier operators to offer unparalleled internet speed paired with minimal latency levels.
However, it comes with a drawback where the coverage area of the network is significantly compromised. Moreover, using the 5G network also consumes additional battery life. Therefore, users must ensure that their smartphone holds adequate power to access 5G connectivity benefits.
Overall, the development of the 5G UC network helps us to explore new use cases which can be effectively utilised to elevate public sector and corporate services. Thus, the investment made in the development of an enhanced 5G network is certainly worth it!
