X

T-Mobile goes 'all-in' on 5G buildout with $3.5B Nokia deal

Every dollar T-Mobile spends is a 5G dollar, the company says.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
See full bio
Lori Grunin
James Martin/CNET

Carrier T-Mobile and networking company Nokia have joined forces to bring 5G to T-Mobile customers in a $3.5 billion dollar deal, the companies announced today. 

But lest you think the agreement means T-Mobile no longer needs to join with Sprint to make its 5G dreams come true, Neville Ray, chief technology officer for T-Mobile said in the news release "We are all-in on 5G... And together with Sprint, we'll be able to do so. Much. More."

The deal includes 600MHz and 28GHz millimeter wave 5G NR capabilities. (Don't know what that means? Here's an explainer.) You still won't be able to use it until 2019; the company's holding off until the 5G-capable phones start rolling out.