US Cellular seeks to activate its planned 5G network in 2020, CEO Kenneth R. Meyers has confirmed. The chief executive noted: ‘We acquired new licences during the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) recent millimetre wave (mmWave) auctions, giving us access to high-frequency spectrum required to deliver high speed and low latency capabilities of 5G to our current and future customers. Together, the mmWave spectrum we acquired provides at least 300MHz of spectrum in markets that serve 97% of our customer base. We expect to begin [the] commercial launch of 5G services in 2020.’
As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, US Cellular paid USD256.0 million for a combination of 28GHz and 24GHz mmWave licences in Auction 101 (28GHz) and Auction 102 (24GHz). Despite the mmWave spectrum haul, the cellco is expected to prioritise the use of its 600MHz frequencies – acquired in June 2017 – for its initial 5G networks.