T-Mobile and CBS Television Stations completed the accelerated repack of WLNY-TV’s 600 MHz spectrum on portions of Long Island and the surrounding area that extends into Brooklyn and Queens.
WLNY moved to its new spectrum frequency earlier this month, more than a year sooner than the August 2019 FCC deadline. This agreement enables T-Mobile to enhance LTE coverage and capacity in the New York City area more quickly, with equipment that supports LTE and is 5G ready.
As a result of the 600 MHz spectrum auction last year, broadcasters using 600 MHz spectrum will move to new frequencies to allow wireless companies, like T-Mobile, to access the spectrum and repurpose it for new and expanded wireless services across the country.
This agreement accelerates T-Mobile's rollout of 600 MHz Extended Range LTE, which travels twice as far and works four times better in buildings than mid-band spectrum, while laying the foundation for 5G in the New York City area. T-Mobile plans to light up 600 MHz LTE in this cleared spectrum in early 2019.
Neville Ray, CTO, T-Mobile
Partnering with WLNY allows us to clear spectrum and bring 600 MHz LTE to customers in New York City as quickly as possible. The T-Mobile team is deploying 600 MHz LTE across the country at record pace and we’re laying the foundation for 5G in NYC by deploying 600 MHz with 5G-ready gear.