The Future of 5G in the U.S. - When Will We Enjoy Ubiquitous Coverage?

With the rapid advancement of mobile technology, many wonder about the timeline for 5G becoming commonplace in the United States. Terms like "actual 5G" can be confusing, but clarifying the differences will provide a clearer picture. This article explores the current state and future prospects of 5G in the U.S., focusing on the deployment, coverage, and expected timeline for widespread availability.

Current State of 5G in the U.S.

As of January 2021, PwC reports that US mobile operators have collectively covered 75% of the country with 5G service. By July, this coverage is expected to further expand. This timeline presents a snapshot of the progress made, but let's delve into the details.

Major Network Providers and Their 5G Coverage

Here's a breakdown of the major network providers and their current 5G availability:

Verizon: Verizon has achieved full fixed and mobile 5G coverage across the United States. However, this coverage is concentrated in urban settings and includes both fixed and mobile offerings. ATT: ATT claims to have mobile 5G available in thousands of cities. Their claim focuses on the mobile aspect but covers a significant number of urban areas. T-Mobile/Sprint: Both T-Mobile and Sprint are available in thousands of locations, providing various connections across multiple cities and states. US Cellular: US Cellular operates in parts of California, Iowa, and Maine, as well as other states. Their coverage is limited but expanding. C Spire: Known for its fixed and mobile 5G services, C Spire provides these in Mississippi, focusing on both urban and rural areas. Charter Spectrum Mobile: Charter Spectrum Mobile began 5G operations in March 2020, providing services across multiple states with growing coverage. Comcast/Xfinity: Comcast rolled out nationwide 5G coverage in October 2020, further enhancing their network infrastructure. Starry: Starry's fixed 5G services are available in Boston, Denver, LA, New York City, and Washington D.C., targeting both residential and commercial markets. Google Fi: Google Fi, powered by T-Mobile, is now nationwide, marking a significant milestone for broader coverage. Nex-Tech Wireless: This network is expected to launch in 2021, adding another layer of 5G coverage to the U.S. market. US Mobile: US Mobile offers 5G with all of their plans, highlighting their commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to customers. Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile has been available in thousands of US cities since July 2020, offering affordable and accessible 5G services. Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless began offering 5G services in August 2020, expanding its reach and coverage. Visible: Visible operates through Verizon’s network, providing mobile 5G services to its customers. Dish: Dish is expecting a Q3 2021 launch for its 5G services, marking a significant move for this major network provider.

These providers are making significant strides towards full 5G readiness, but there is still work to be done to achieve ubiquitous coverage.

Millimeter-Wave 5G and Its Limitations

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G has been set up in a few urban areas, but the coverage is minimal and currently concentrated in high-density population areas. It is unlikely to become widespread outside of densely populated regions for many years. Typically, mmWave 5G struggles with several limitations:

Inability to Penetrate Buildings: mmWave signals have a limited range and struggle to penetrate structures, making indoor coverage a challenge. Limited Outdoor Coverage: Due to its short range, mmWave provides limited outdoor coverage, even in urban areas.

While mmWave holds promise for delivering home internet using fixed, focused, and well-aimed antennae, it remains a niche solution for now. Deploying mmWave 5G at a large scale would require substantial investment in infrastructure and equipment.

5G on Lower Frequencies

The providers are focusing on deploying 5G on lower frequencies, which offer better coverage and penetration. This is particularly important for expanding 5G networks to residential and rural areas. ATT, for example, has been deploying 5G on lower bands, such as C-band, which can offer broader coverage and better performance for both mobile and fixed services.

Deploying 5G on lower frequencies is crucial for achieving widespread coverage. High-band 5G (mmWave) can enhance user experience in dense urban areas, but its limitations make it unsuitable for widespread deployment. Lower-band 5G, on the other hand, provides the necessary range and coverage to make 5G a viable option for a broader audience.

Expectations for Widespread 5G Availability

Based on the current trends and plans of the major network providers, we can expect 5G to become more widespread over the next few years. Here are some key points to consider:

2-3 Years for Ubiquitous Coverage: Standalone 5G with a 5G core is expected to become more prevalent in 2-3 years. This would enable more seamless and reliable 5G services. 5-6 Years for Widespread Adoption: For 5G to be truly ubiquitous, it will likely take 5-6 years. This timeline accounts for the continued deployment and optimization of 5G networks.

While the initial rollouts have been focused on urban areas, network providers are now expanding their efforts to cover more rural and suburban regions. This expansion is crucial for achieving the vision of a fully connected America where 5G services are available to all.

Conclusion

The future of 5G in the U.S. looks promising, with significant advancements being made across different bands and technologies. While there are challenges to overcome, particularly with mmWave 5G, the focus on lower frequency bands bodes well for achieving widespread coverage. As network providers continue to invest in infrastructure and technology, the United States is poised to become a leader in 5G adoption, making it an integral part of everyday life.