AT&T said it has launched 5G services using its C-Band spectrum. The introduction follows a voluntary 6-week pause, to allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry in general to make sure there would be no interference with critical systems.
The carrier can now activate its newest AT&T 5G+ service, already live in parts of 40 cities, plus nearly 30 stadiums and venues. The service using C-Band spectrum will start in parts of 8 metro areas across the US, including parts of Detroit, Chicago, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and then rapidly expand. People who see the 5G+ indicator on their device will be able to access the new speeds. They can also go to the AT&T site and see if their device supports the service.
AT&T said its 5G services reach over 255 million in total, across more than 16,000 cities and towns in the US.
Verizon also launches
Verizon said 100 million people will be able to gain access to its 5G Ultra Wideband network this month, in over 1,700 cities, including C-Band coverage. Most metro areas will be able to get some C-Band coverage from Verizon over the coming weeks.
AT&T and Verizon both agreed to delay the deployment of their new C-Band 5G services near certain US airports. A number of airlines said the rollout could interfere with the safety equipment on their planes. Devices like airplane altimeters, which pilots use to land when visibility is low, operate on C-Band adjacent frequencies. Airlines asked that AT&T and Verizon not offer 5G service within two miles of some of the country’s busiest airports.
The FAA FAA has now cleared 62 percent of US commercial airplanes to perform low-visibility landings at airports where AT&T and Verizon are deploying 5G on C-band spectrum this week.
