T-Mobile is making massive efforts to roll out its LTE Extended network but even with all the advancements present in the iPhone X and iPhone 8, these devices will not be able to provide support for it. For those wondering, we will provide you with a breakdown of whether this is a setback or if there is something that you genuinely need to worry about before purchasing the iPhone 8 or iPhone X.
Lack of Support Should Not Cause Worry but Coverage for iPhone X Will Not Be Present in Rural Areas - 600MHz Spectrum Can Easily Penetrate Through Buildings
To support the new network, both the iPhone X and iPhone 8 need to support Band 71, or the 600MHz spectrum. While the absence of this support will not mean that you will run into compatibility issues with other networks, it does mean that the new LTE Extended network that T-Mobile has been building won't be accessible to these devices.
Currently, only two smartphones provide support for the 600MHz network and they are the LG V30 and V20. In order to stretch its LTE Extended network to various parts of the U.S., T-Mobile acquired a huge, 30MHz chunk of spectrum in an auction that ended this summer. Rural areas will finally gain coverage thanks to the network, meaning that T-Mobile will compete easily with Verizon Wireless and AT&T.
600MHz is considered low-band spectrum, which means that the individual radio waves are longer and can easier penetrate through buildings. They also allow better ranges from the signal towers, so that will extend overall coverage in rural areas.
Thanks to Qualcomm and its Snapdragon X16 LTE modem that’s embedded in the Snapdragon 835 chipset, next-gen smartphones like the V30 are able to provide support for different networks. While other devices also feature the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, you will also need to include other components to provide support for the 600MHz spectrum.
News Source: AppleInsider
