AT&T switches on the 5G+ mmWave network for consumers
AT&T last week announced that its sub-6 MHz is now available in an additional 22 markets, bringing its total 5G count to 80 markets. 35 of these markets also have access to AT&T’s high-band mmWave 5G network dubbed “5G+”. AT&T’s 5G network has been operational in over 20 markets as of the end of 2019, though the service had been limited to select business accounts only. The carrier has now announced that consumers in the mmWave markets can connect to the 5G+ network using Samsung’s new Galaxy S20 series models as well as the Note 10+ 5G phone, which was introduced back in December 2019.
The NPD Take:
- AT&T has previously taken a lot of heat for its 5G marketing practices that began with the 5G E branding, an LTE-on-steroids solution that has helped boost 5G awareness among consumers thanks to the appearance of the 5G E icon on many smartphones in the 550 markets. The carrier’s go-to-market strategy with 5G has since been simplified (sub-6 GHz 5G vs mmWave 5G+), but most consumers will still be confused.
- AT&T’s sub-6 GHz 5G network essentially runs on sub-1 GHz spectrum (850 MHz) as the carrier does not have as much mid-band spectrum holdings as competitors. Low-band spectrum excel in coverage but speed levels are comparable to LTE-A levels. AT&T’s lowb-band 5G service currently covers a population of 80 million people versus rival T-Mobile’s 200+ million people coverage.
- AT&T’s ultra-fast mmWave will make the real difference in terms of user experience, but the coverage area (like any other mmWave network out there) is limited, and the select devices available are not AT&T-customer favorites. Thanks to its past exclusivity on the iPhone, a commanding majority of AT&T customers use iPhones. The carrier will not see a surge in 5G adoption until the new iPhones with 5G support are released later this year.
TCL teases with innovative foldable designs
TCL, a key mobile device manufacturer, is little known as a mobile brand due its ODM model operating under the Alcatel, BlackBerry and Palm brands. The OEM, which is better known for its successful TV display business, has been showcasing foldable display mechnasims at every major tradeshow since MWC 2019. TCL was supposed to make a major announcement at this year’s MWC, which got cancelled due to the coronavirus concerns. As a result, TCL has decided to show-off its new foldable designs at satellite press events. The company showcased two new foldable models; a large tablet that has tri-fold design that transforms into a thick smartphone with three layers (or a three-layer smartphone that folds out to a large tablet) and a second design, which is more of a rollable than foldable. Essentially, the phone has a flex display that rolls in and out of the phone chassis. TCL did not provide any information on the commercial availability of these devices.
The NPD Take:
- TCL is one of the fastest growing TV brands in the market. Its growing awareness has fostered the company to release its first self-branded smartphone, the Plex, which was introduced at IFA 2019. TCL has already been enjoying significant market share (with the Alcatel brand) in the US smartphone landscape, and is poised to become a major threat to all established players considering its strong distribution with carriers.
- While TCL’s new foldable designs look super appealing, it’s noteworthy to consider that they are in prototype stages, and may never become commercially available in the market.