Verizon's 5G UW network hasn't had the smoothest ride since it launched but it's going to get a whole lot better thanks to the carrier adding 100MHz of C-band spectrum in markets across the US. The addition of 100MHz C-band spectrum aided network engineers to achieve peak download speaks of 1.4GHz when near active cell sites.
Further away from those same cell sites resulted in speeds of 500Mbps which is still pretty quick and Verizon expects that more and more locations will benefit from the increased speed as more spectrum is released. In the coming months and years ahead, Verizon envisages that its customers will be able to access spectrum between 140-200 MHz across the US.
“This increase from using 60MHz to 100 MHz of C-band – which we will ultimately have available in many markets across the US – allows us to support more network traffic, deliver even better performance to our customers and add new products and services on top of the mobile and fixed wireless access solutions we provide today,” said Kyle Malady, EVP and President, Global Networks and Technology.”
The 100MHz spectrum is being made available months earlier than scheduled, partly because of agreements made with satellite providers.
To make use of the extra speeds afforded by Verizon's 5G UW and C-Band network, you'll need a compatible phone such as the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, the LG Wing, Motorola One 5G Ace or Edge 5G UW, and a smattering of Samsung phones including the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, the Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy A42 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G. TCL's 10 5G UW and 30 V 5G are also able to connect to Verizon's 5G UW network.
