The trial involves three pre-commercial base stations compatible with the 7GHz band, installed in central Tokyo. Utilizing Massive MIMO technology, SoftBank aims to assess how 6G can achieve coverage comparable to 5G in urban settings. The 7GHz band, part of the 7,125–8,400 MHz range, is being considered globally for 6G and will be discussed at the ITU-R World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027. This band, known as FR3 in 3GPP standards, offers nearly 2GHz of contiguous spectrum when combined with the existing 5G band (6,425–7,125 MHz), providing broader bandwidth than 5G’s Sub-6 frequencies (below 6GHz).
The 7GHz band’s propagation characteristics, similar to Sub-6, support high-speed communication and reliable coverage. A SoftBank representative stated: “This trial is a critical step in exploring 6G’s potential to meet the growing demand for data in urban areas.” With rising mobile data traffic, driven by AI and dense urban environments, the 7GHz band is seen as a solution to balance capacity and signal penetration amidst building congestion.
SoftBank secured a trial license for the 7GHz band and is conducting tests by placing 7GHz base stations alongside existing 5G Sub-6 (3.9GHz) stations on Tokyo rooftops. The trial compares coverage and radio performance to ensure contiguous coverage in the area. Future phases will include indoor and outdoor measurements to support ongoing research for 6G commercialization.
This initiative highlights SoftBank’s commitment to advancing telecommunications infrastructure, addressing urban connectivity challenges, and contributing to global 6G development standards.
