Mid-Band 5G refers to the spectrum range that sits between the Low-Band and High-Band (mmWave) frequencies. This spectrum typically encompasses frequencies between 1 GHz and 6 GHz. Here’s a closer look at Mid-Band 5G:
Coverage:
- Range: The range of Mid-Band 5G is shorter than that of Low-Band but greater than High-Band. It can cover several kilometers from a single tower, making it a suitable choice for both urban and suburban deployments.
- Penetration: Mid-Band 5G offers decent building penetration but not as effective as Low-Band. However, it’s generally better than the mmWave spectrum.
Speed:
- Mid-Band 5G offers faster data speeds than Low-Band but doesn’t reach the extreme speeds of mmWave. It strikes a balance between coverage and speed, delivering multi-gigabit peak speeds under ideal conditions.
Usage:
- Given its balanced attributes, Mid-Band 5G is highly versatile. It can be employed in urban areas for increased capacity and suburban areas for wider coverage.
- It’s excellent for general internet usage, video streaming, gaming, and other data-heavy applications.
Limitations:
- While it offers a balance between speed and coverage, it doesn’t excel in any particular area. It won’t provide the broadest coverage like Low-Band or the highest speeds like mmWave.
- The availability of Mid-Band spectrum varies by country, with some regions having more spectrum allocated than others. This can impact deployment strategies and network performance.
Deployment:
- Telecom operators view Mid-Band 5G as crucial for mass-market 5G services. It’s being widely deployed around the world as a primary 5G band.
- Due to its balanced nature, many consider Mid-Band 5G to be the “goldilocks” spectrum for 5G, striking the right balance between speed and coverage.
Overall, while Low-Band provides foundational coverage and High-Band delivers extreme speeds in concentrated areas, Mid-Band 5G is the workhorse that powers the majority of 5G experiences for users in many regions.