SoftBank and Nokia have kicked off the first outdoor trial of the 7 GHz frequency band in Tokyo (Ginza) this June 2025, testing three pre-commercial base stations. Using Massive MIMO technology, they’re exploring how this cm‑wave band performs in real city environments. This band, ranging from 7.125 to 8.4 GHz, is under review by the ITU for 6G use. The aim is to see if 7 GHz can offer faster speeds and wider bandwidth (up to 2 GHz of spectrum) while still covering areas as well as current 5G (3.9 GHz), even inside buildings and between city blocks .
The 7 GHz band could be a game-changer, delivering 10–20× more capacity than current mid‑band 5G, with coverage similar to sub‑6 GHz networks . That's huge for busy cities and growing data needs, especially as new AI apps and smart services push networks harder. SoftBank plans to use these test results, both indoor and outdoor, to fine-tune 6G plans and help standard-setting before 2027 . In simple terms, this trial is a bold move toward ultra‑fast, dependable mobile connections that can support the next wave of digital innovation.
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