The frequency spectrum from 3.7 to 4 GHz, commonly referred to as C-band spectrum is a key building block for the deployment of 5G. Its free available spectrum allows for wide channel bandwidth installations which in turn helps optimize enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) use cases..As part of the network provider strategy, carriers are offloading more expense and responsibilities for deploying C-band to contractors, with a few exceptions.
The leading wireless communications infrastructure companies are being contracted to install C-band sites on towers, buildings, rooftops, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and small cells nationwide.Whether it is the mobile operators themselves or turf vendors, there are multiple challenges to successfully deploying C-band in an ever-crowded RF spectrum and infrastructure landscape.Understanding these challenges and implementing the proper test procedures can ensure C-band helps mobile operators address the ever-growing need for network capacity, spectral efficiency, and an effective migration path to 5G and beyond.
