In 2017, after purchasing a majority of the 600 MHz frequency, T-Mobile began a massive rollout of the new LTE Bands across the US. However, there are currently only two devices that support the frequency, also known as LTE Band 71. Thanks to a recent FCC listing, we've learned this number will double when the Galaxy S9 and S9+ debut next month.
With the S9 and S9+, this would be Samsung's second and third device to include support for this band (the S8 Active also supports LTE Band 71). More importantly, this would be the most popular device to include the feature so far, which should significantly improve customer awareness and customer usage.
For the unaware, 600 MHz is a new low-frequency band that the FCC opened up for auction in 2017. T-Mobile snapped up the majority of this band for nearly $8 billion with the goal of filling out their coverage map. Lower frequency bands like this can travel further and penetrate buildings better than all of T-Mobile's existing frequencies, which have been two problematic areas for the magenta carrier. People who work in concrete structures or live in rural areas should soon get much better T-Mobile reception, but only if they have a device that can connect to Band 71.
This year, we will see a wave of flagship smartphones include support for Band 71. In 2017, Qualcomm announced that the new modem for their flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 845, would support the new 600 MHz connectivity. Despite the number of supported devices increasing, the fact that it's being included in the Galaxy S series will be a pivotal component of any increase in usage and new T-Mobile subscribers.
Previously, the best device to include this feature was the LG V30. Unfortunately, due to LG's minimal marketing in the US, the V30 didn't sell well and many customers remained ignorant of this new low frequency. This is why the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ is so important.
Currently, Samsung sits at first place for biggest smartphone manufacturer. A major element of its successes is its massively popular flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S series. With the typical high sales of Galaxy S devices, many customers will benefit from the feature without even being aware of it. In addition, thanks to Samsung's heavy marketing, it is possible that a T-Mobile sponsored commercial about the S9 and S9+ would mention this LTE Band.
With the new band, T-Mobile can better address the needs of rural America, whose users are typically miles away from towers, resulting in spotty coverage. Previously, wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T were able to do well in these areas thanks to their own low 700 MHz frequency LTE Band. However, with T-Mobile's even lower frequency, their LTE coverage can extend even further, providing their customers solid coverage no matter where they live.
With the inclusion of Band 71, T-Mobile has great marketing tools for new users who are deciding which wireless carrier they should use on their new S9 or S9+. Whether you live a rural area and are far away from any tower or you live in a city with building obstructing your signal, this pairing should be a perfect match. What do you think about this new band in the new Galaxy S9? Let us know in the comment below.
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