T-Mobile has updated its coverage map to show how its new 600 MHz network will extend service across the U.S.
The updated map arrives days after reports suggested a merger-in-principle between T-Mobile and Sprint. Whether or not that deal moves forward, T-Mobile is clearly investing in broader coverage by deploying LTE on the 600 MHz band.
In an FCC spectrum auction earlier this year, T-Mobile spent roughly $8 billion to acquire rights to the 600 MHz band, designated as LTE Band 71. This spectrum was previously used for UHF television and has since been repurposed for mobile broadband, offering improved indoor penetration and wider rural reach compared with higher-frequency bands.
Device compatibility is required to take advantage of Band 71. At the time of the announcement, only the LG V30 (released October 5th) was confirmed to support the band. Several anticipated flagship phones, including certain models announced that year, were not expected to include Band 71 support immediately. T-Mobile did, however, indicate that a Samsung handset supporting the band would arrive before year-end.
Rollout plans and early deployments
Initial real-world deployments of Band 71 were established in Scarborough, Maine and Cheyenne, Wyoming. These test deployments will inform further expansion: if performance and integration meet expectations, T-Mobile plans to accelerate deployment to additional markets.
Before the end of the year, T-Mobile committed to bringing Band 71 coverage to portions of the following regions:
- Parts of Wyoming
- Northeast and southwest Oregon
- West Texas
- Southwest Kansas
- The Oklahoma Panhandle
- Western North Dakota
- Additional areas of Maine
- Coastal North Carolina
- Central Pennsylvania
- Central Virginia
- Eastern Washington
One logistical hurdle for the rollout is that some TV stations must still vacate the 600 MHz spectrum in certain markets. According to available updates, most stations are on schedule or ahead of the required transition timelines, which should allow deployments to proceed as planned.
T-Mobile’s move to deploy low-band LTE across more markets aims to improve coverage and signal reliability—particularly in rural and hard-to-reach locations where lower-frequency signals travel farther and penetrate buildings more effectively. For customers, that can translate into better voice, text and data performance in areas that previously suffered from limited reception.
As the rollout continues, device availability and handset support will be key factors in how quickly consumers can benefit from Band 71. Carrier announcements, device manufacturer updates and the ongoing rebanding of TV spectrum will shape the pace and scope of this expansion.
How much of a difference do you expect T-Mobile’s 600 MHz rollout to make for rural coverage? Share your thoughts in the comments.