T-Mobile just hit a major milestone, setting a new world record for 5G uplink speeds. The Un-carrier reached a whopping 550 Mbps in its sub-6 GHz spectrum using 3GPP Release 17 UL Tx Switching. This is a big deal because it’s the first time this technology has been used outside of a lab – a true game-changer for real-world mobile networks.
We all love fast downloads, but as our tech gets more interactive and data-hungry, upload speeds matter more than ever. Whether you’re live-streaming a game, video chatting in 4K, or sharing large files, fast uplink speeds can make or break your experience. T-Mobile’s latest achievement proves it’s not just keeping up but leading the way in 5G innovation.
This wasn’t just a controlled test – it happened at a real T-Mobile site in Seattle, using 100MHz of TDD spectrum (n41) and 35MHz of FDD spectrum (n25). The test was done on a MediaTek smartphone with an M90 modem, proving this tech isn’t just possible, but practical.
"Everyone obsesses over download speed, but at T-Mobile we see what’s coming, and uplink is the next big thing," said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile.
"Whether you’re uploading 4K video, gaming in real time, or using a VR headset, this record shows that T-Mobile is building the network for that future."
Improving uplink speeds is a much tougher challenge than boosting download speeds, which makes this record even more impressive. As more people use real-time apps, create content, and dive into virtual reality, fast and reliable uplink performance will be essential. Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, put it this way: "As demand continues to rise for AI, XR, and video uploads, exceptional uplink performance will become essential."
T-Mobile has a history of setting the pace for uplink speeds. It hit 275 Mbps in 2022, broke that with 345 Mbps in early 2024, and now it’s smashed through the 500 Mbps mark with this latest milestone. Clearly, T-Mobile is all in on making the future of 5G a reality.
For the latest on T-Mobile’s network advancements, check out T-Mobile.com/Coverage.
