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I can add some test results from both Spark and Vodafone 5G networks for those curious. And I’ll try and explain some of my observations (I’m not an expert, just a mobile network geek). I was using a Samsung S20+ 5G running the latest OXM / TNZ firmware (generic Spark firmware) throughout the tests.
Spark seems to be using LTE B1 (2100mhz) as the anchor for their 5G NR78 (3500mhz) network. I had issues connecting to their 5G network as the phone would prefer to use 5CA of LTE across bands B3-B7-B28-B40-B40. I had to manually lock the phone to B1 and NR78 to get 5G to function. The resulting speeds when looking right at the towers were between 300 and 640Mbps. This was using 15mhz of LTE B1 and 60mhz of 5G NR78. I think there is a software issue on the network or my phone, because ideally, I should be getting at least 4CA of LTE in addition to the 5G bands. In fact I couldn’t get any CA combos using LTE B1 on Spark.
Vodafone seems to be going all out with their LTE network in order to speed up their 5G network. Most Vodafone 5G sites run LTE combos of B7-B28-B3-B1 with only 20mhz of 5G NR78 added on top. Vodafone 5G speeds would be between 100 and 550mbps, depending on how heavily loaded their LTE network was.
Some interesting notes here is that Spark has deployed 3x as much 5G spectrum compared to Vodafone (60mhz vs 20mhz). If Spark improves their LTE CA combos to allow B1 (like Vodafone does) or if Vodafone deploys more 5G spectrum, I think we should start seeing near 1Gbps speeds on both networks, in ideal conditions.
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Good questions @Jase2985
For 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G band monitoring I use Samsung’s built in hidden network monitor. You can get to it by entering *#0011# on your phone dialer (you don’t need to actually call the number, it should start the app once you finish typing out the code).
For band locking, I use another hidden app from Samsung. It is a sub activity of the call settings app. You can get to by manually starting the activity if you have an app that lets you do so. I’ve used Nova Launcher in the past, as it would let me create a shortcut to the band selector from my home screen. There is also an app on the Play Store called Samsung Band Selection, but all that does is launch the same activity on your behalf. I’ve added a couple of screen shots so you can see the name of the band selector app and what it looks like when its running. You can lock to one or any combination of 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G bands.
I should add that the network monitor only works on Samsung phones, and the band selector only seems to work on Samsung phones running Android 10 (I think... not 100% sure)
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My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.
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#include <std_disclaimer>
Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.
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My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.
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