U.S. Operators Increase mmWave 5G Footprint Despite Global Shift to Mid-Band

*Ookla’s RootMetrics and Speedtest data record measurable growth in millimeter-wave 5G deployments across American networks while most countries continue to prioritize mid-band spectrum.*

The report findings

Drive tests and crowdsourced measurements collected in the second half of 2025 show mmWave signals appearing in 2.2 percent of Verizon samples across both urban and rural routes. AT&T recorded mmWave in 0.2 percent of samples. T-Mobile’s share remained negligible. The figures mark a clear increase from earlier periods when mmWave coverage was limited to a handful of dense city blocks.

International regulators, by contrast, have largely bypassed the 24–40 GHz range. Most countries released mid-band spectrum instead, citing easier propagation and lower equipment costs. The United States stands apart in continuing to allocate and activate mmWave licenses at scale.

Performance characteristics

Where mmWave is present, Ookla’s tests confirm the expected traits: peak download speeds well above mid-band averages and latency low enough for real-time applications. Coverage remains patchy outside targeted venues and corridors, yet the networks continue to expand rather than contract.

The report notes that mmWave infrastructure has not been decommissioned. New radios and small-cell additions keep the footprint growing, even if the technology serves only a small slice of total traffic.

Why it matters

Operators that already own the licenses can extract additional capacity without waiting for further mid-band auctions. For device makers and application developers, the data indicate that mmWave support remains relevant in the U.S. market rather than a niche experiment. Carriers elsewhere have little incentive to follow the same path, so the split between U.S. and international 5G deployments is likely to persist.

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Sources:

• Daring Fireball

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