There are some obvious challenges to C-band deployment, starting with coverage. T-Mobile estimates that C-band will require about 1.5x as many towers as its 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum. While this is much less than the mmWave 5G networks being built by Verizon and AT&T, it still means that carriers won't simply be able to upgrade existing towers with C-band nodes.
While most people can agree with the overall benefits of a faster and more reliable 5G network, a lot of them still won't want to have a new pole installed near their home. While these fights often end in victory for the carrier, the extra time and money it can take to get rights to a piece of land will directly impact the speed of C-band deployment.
Another (potentially devastating) issue stems from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thanks to concerns that C-band 5G can affect altimeters in certain planes. According to an article by USA Today, altimeters use frequencies between 4.2 and 4.4GHz. While C-band uses frequencies that don't overlap this at 3.7-3.98GHz, there is still concern that some models may still be confused by the signals. This could lead to planes being unable to safely land in areas where C-band is deployed and the weather has made it impossible for the pilot to see the runway.
AT&T and Verizon have already delayed their C-band networks to accommodate further investigations into the effects C-band would have.+ While it could be cleared completely or power limits may be imposed around airports, there's a good chance that the airline industry could cause further delays for C-band, even as carriers desperately want to get started on the network.
Should your next phone have C-band?
C-band will be included in most new flagship phones shipping in 2022 and is already included with many that shipped in 2021. The iPhone 12 and 13 models both support C-band 5G alongside some Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Z Fold 3. Phones will likely need a software update to enable the new bands as well.
If you're an AT&T or Verizon user and you're excited to try out the improved speeds of 5G, you should make sure your next phone will support C-band. T-Mobile users won't see as much of an uplift in speeds compared to the current mid-band offering and it remains to be seen just how T-Mobile will build C-band. Still, with C-band support being so important to these carriers, it's a good bet that the best Android phones of the future will come with the tech.
