5G internet service

What is 5G internet?

Chances are you’ve heard about 5G, but what is it? And what does it mean to you?

5G is the “fifth-generation” of wireless internet technology, replacing its 4G, 3G and LTE predecessors with a much faster connection. After years in the making, providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are finally starting to roll it out in select locations across the U.S.

How does 5G work?

5G networks are made up of three bands. Depending on where you are (like in the middle of an office building vs. sitting outside having brunch), and what bandwidths are the most readily available, your mobile device will automatically connect to one of these 5G bands:

Low-band spectrum (<1GHz): Widespread coverage with speeds up to 100 Mbps and excellent penetration capabilities

Mid-band spectrum (<6GHz): Limited coverage with speeds up to 1 Gbps and moderate penetration capabilities

High-band spectrum (>6GHz): Low coverage with speeds up to 10 Gbps and poor penetration capabilities

How is 5G internet different from other connections?

5G connections will deliver faster speeds (the minimum downlink speed to qualify as 5G is 100 Mbps), drastically reduced latency (1-4 ms) and a higher data transfer rate than previous. For example, on a 5G network you could potentially download a two-hour movie in 3.6 seconds. That same download would take six minutes on a 4G network and 26 hours on 3G, according to the Consumer Technology Association.

Is 5G just for my phone?

5G is a wireless connection, so the vast majority of us will access the network via our mobile devices. However, tapping into 5G’s capabilities over a fixed wireless connection could make it a viable home internet option along with cable and fiber-optic services. Verizon has already introduced 5G fixed wireless home internet service in select locations. 

Will I need a new phone for 5G?

Yes, you will need a phone equipped for 5G in order to access your carrier’s 5G network. There’s no need to rush out and buy a brand new phone, though. 

5G is not completely “replacing” 4G networks, at least not anytime soon, so your current phone will continue to work just fine. If anything, your 4G LTE phone could work better as others switch to the 5G network, potentially freeing up bandwidth for your device.

5G mobile providers

Most major mobile providers are actively developing their 5G networks or are already offering service. Currently, 5G is primarily available in larger metro areas. Here are some major providers that you can look to for 5G in 2020. 

AT&T

AT&T 5G is already or is soon-to-be available in parts of nearly every state, currently excluding Hawaii, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Top AT&T 5G service areas: 

Sprint and T-Mobile

T-Mobile (which now includes Sprint), boasts perhaps the most impressive 5G coverage of any provider so far. T-Mobile claims to be the only “nationwide” 5G provider, though much of their network consists of the low-band frequency. T-Mobile’s own low-band network is available to 200 million subscribers in 5,000 cities. 

Sprint’s 5G mid-band network is available free of charge in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, as of 2018.

Verizon 

31 major cities including Los Angeles and Chicago can utilize Verizon’s high-band 5G network. The network is compatible with Moto Z2, Z3 and Z4 Force phones, Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10+ 5G Verizon devices.

Top Verizon 5G service areas: