T-Mobile filed with the FCC for two years of field tests at six Bellevue, Washington sites using 2.690–2.790 GHz and 4.800–4.900 GHz. The company frames the work as early 6G preparation and says coordination with federal users will be required.
T-Mobile requested experimental licenses to test prototype base stations and devices in the 2.7GHz and 4GHz midband ranges, starting November 2026 for two years.
The targeted bands (2690–2790 MHz and 4800–4900 MHz) are under study for possible future commercial use but host federal users that require careful coordination to avoid interference.
Verizon has also sought testing in parts of the 4.8–4.9 GHz range, signaling broader carrier interest in early field validation ahead of 6G standards.
# What T-Mobile asked the FCC T-Mobile filed for experimental licenses covering prototype base stations and devices at six sites in Bellevue, Washington, tied to its headquarters and lab. The carrier requested two years of testing beginning in November 2026 in two midband ranges: 2690–2790 MHz (2.7GHz) and 4800–4900 MHz (4GHz).
# Why these bands matter Midband spectrum balances coverage and capacity, a trait that helped 5G scale across cities and suburbs. The 2.7GHz and 4GHz ranges are being studied for future commercial use and are attractive because they can extend network reach without the severe propagation limits of higher frequencies. T-Mobile argues the tests will support better service and help prepare spectrum for 6G use.
# Coordination is the main technical hurdle Parts of both bands are used by federal systems. The 2.7GHz range supports satellite links, radio astronomy, weather sensors, and aviation systems. Any commercial mobile use in those bands must avoid harmful interference with those incumbents. T-Mobile says it will work with the FAA, NOAA, and radio astronomy stakeholders to coordinate. How those discussions proceed will influence what portion of the bands can be reused or shared for commercial networks.
# Timing and regulatory context The FCC plans to auction the 2.7GHz band in 2028. That auction would follow an upper C-band auction scheduled for July 2027. The NTIA is studying multiple bands for licensed commercial use, including 1.6GHz, 2.7GHz, 4.4GHz, and 7GHz ranges. New guidance now allows auction preparation to run in parallel with spectrum studies, which shortens the overall schedule for making spectrum available.
# Industry signal: carriers want real-world data
# What this means for operators and VoIP services For network engineers and communications providers, midband access matters because it affects coverage planning, device support, and capacity design. Faster mobile networks with better midband assets can influence call quality, latency, and reliability for cloud communications, unified communications, and business VoIP services over time.
# Open questions that matter going forward Will federal incumbents accept sharing arrangements or require clearing of portions of the bands? How much spectrum will be practical for commercial mobile use after coordination? How will auction timing and adjacent-spectrum holdings shape carrier strategies for device and radio planning?
# Practical takeaway T-Mobile's filing is a concrete move to test equipment and use cases in midband ranges likely to be part of early 6G discussions. The tests won't settle policy or allocation questions, but they will produce data that regulators, carriers, and vendors will use when shaping auctions, coexistence rules, and deployment plans.
The global mobile ecosystem is ready to deploy services in the upper 6 GHz band, the GSMA said, calling on policymakers to plan the spectrum for mobile use and provide the certainty needed to support future network investment, capacity and economic growth. - - Countries accounting for more than 80% of the world's popul
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