2026 is expected to mark a significant escalation in competition within the 5G landscape.
We have identified that StarHub has quietly activated its 10 MHz allocation in the 700 MHz band as NR n28 for 5G Standalone (SA) operation.
Using an Eight SIM, we confirmed the presence of n28, which is actively broadcast and capable of participating in NR carrier aggregation. The inclusion of n28 enables wider coverage due to the superior propagation characteristics of the 700 MHz spectrum, allowing signals to travel longer distances and achieve improved indoor and subterranean penetration.
Of particular technical interest is the sequencing and aggregation order of the NR bands, which appears unconventional and raises questions about the underlying network configuration and optimization strategy.
Here are simple conducted tests which shows the presense of n28 in a single band and 5G+ configuration.
n28 band (10 MHz)
n1+n28 (35 MHz)
n78+n1+n28 (135 MHz)
It is also noted that this n28 band is accessible by M1 users.