Thread by @trengriffin

This is a weird sentence: "Sprint’s 5G network will launch using the carrier’s mid-band spectrum, which is faster than LTE airwaves, but doesn’t travel as far (and conversely, it’s slower than millimeter waves, but travels farther)." theverge.com/2019/2/25/1823…

Millimeter wave frequencies do not propagate as well as lower frequencies, and there are specific frequencies that have problems with oxygen and water vapor absorption. Lower frequencies propagate better (eg, can penetrate some solid materials) but offer less hertz to move bits.

Using the words "faster" and "slower" isn't helpful. Data rates are higher and lower based on how many hertz there are. There are more hertz at millimeter wave but they attenuate more when they are not traveling in free space. You can see attenuation from some materials below.

To understand the business case for 5G (mobile or fixed) you must understand these issues.

P.s., Every profession has jokes. For example:

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent.

I'll show myself out.