T-Mobile deploys extended-range LTE coverage in Puerto Rico

T-Mobile lit up its new, extended range LTE network using the 600MHz band in 35 US states plus Puerto Rico, the company said in a statement, laying the basis for 5G connectivity deployment in 2020.

The company announced this week that it launched its new network in 1,254 cities and towns in the US mainland and Puerto Rico, "including some of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Maria like Humacao, Utuado, Barranquitas and Naranjito."

Local newspaper Metro quoted company officials as saying that the new network reaches around 40% of the island, with plans to reach 100% of Puerto Rico by December.

T-Mobile added that "with the future opportunity to deploy up to 50MHz of 600MHz spectrum in Puerto Rico, the Un-carrier [T-Mobile] remains committed to helping the island become a hub for technology and innovation."

The company said it is still working with TV broadcasters that are using the frequency to move to other parts of the spectrum, after purchasing the rights to use the frequency in April 2017.

Other countries such as Mexico are also in the process of liberating the 600MHz band to repurpose it for telecommunications.