T-Mobile tests Nokia equipment in 7GHz band, possible 6G-related testing.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a permit for a new wireless communications test for U.S. telecommunications giant T-Mobile. The tests were conducted using prototype Nokia communications equipment operating in the 7 GHz band (7125-7525 MHz) and are believed to be part of a test of 6G technology.

The new tests will be conducted in and around T-Mobile's headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Two Nokia fixed base stations and up to five mobile terminals will be used to test both fixed and mobile scenario cases, as well as the use of an "experimental Massive MIMO antenna array".

T-Mobile states that the purpose of this test is "to support potential future wireless technology advancements," and does not specifically mention 6G. However, since 7125-7525 MHz is the same band that Nokia is using for 6G testing in Dallas, Texas, it is highly likely that this is 6G-related testing.

Although 6G is still in the early stages of standardization, the move by a major telecommunications carrier such as T-Mobile to conduct field tests is a step toward the practical application of next-generation mobile networks. 7 to 8 GHz is a major candidate frequency band for 6G, and the U.S. authorities and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) are paying attention to it, This test is likely to be an important touchstone for determining the operational feasibility and challenges of this frequency.

Materials

• United States of America FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION EXPERIMENTAL RADIO STATION CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AND LICENSE
• T-Mobile appears to be testing Nokia's 6G equipment
• T-Mobile is testing Nokia's 6G equipment in its Washington HQ - report
• T-Mobile Testing Nokia Gear in 7 GHz Band, Hinting at Early 6G Moves