Telekom Deutschland, the domestic fixed and mobile unit of Deutsche Telekom (DT), has announced that it has started using the 700MHz frequency band for its 5G network. The new service, which utilises 10MHz of spectrum, will be primarily used to improve mobile coverage in rural areas. More than 3,000 antennas are transmitting 5G at 700MHz, corresponding to about 1,100 antenna locations. Telekom’s 5G network is now using three frequency bands, namely 700MHz, 2100MHz and 3.7GHz, providing combined coverage of 92% of the population.
More than 67,000 5G antennas are transmitting on Telekom’s network; 3.7GHz services are available in more than 400 cities and towns, while all sites using 3.7GHz and 700MHz frequencies also support 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology. They are connected in parallel to both the existing core network and the 5G SA core network. At present, 8,000 Telekom antennas can transmit signals with 5G SA.
‘In the course of the expansion, the use of the 700MHz frequency band for 5G is the logical continuation of our spectrum strategy. We want to offer our customers the best network at all times and everywhere. We are thus reaching even more people nationwide with fast internet and improving 5G coverage in rural areas. This is how we create a real value for our customers,’ said Walter Goldenits, head of technology at DT.
Source: https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2022/06/08/telekom-rolls-out-5g-in-700mhz-band/