Frequently Asked Questions About the 5G Network
The Evolution to 5G Network
How did we get to 5G Mobile Cellular Networks? As with previous generations, consumers can expect new applications and improved user experiences that will deliver speed, capacity, scalability, and efficiency.
5G technology has created an incredible leaps in the advancement of connectivity in telemedicine, traffic signals, water supplies, smart farming, smart cities, and smart wastewater management deployment, just to name a few. 5G will support a growing number of connected devices expected to improve the quality and efficiency of all sorts of products and services consumers enjoy today.
In addition, 5G will support applications such as virtual reality and self-driving cars.
What is 5G?
Compare 5G and 4G
- 5G technology can provide higher data speeds with less delay than 4G, sometimes referred to as 4G LTE.
- Some 5G services will provide coverage areas with data speeds of up to 100 times faster and almost immediate response time.
- For example, it can take almost six minutes to download a feature-length movie with 4G.
- With 5G, the same movie can be downloaded in as little as 15 seconds.
- In terms of speed, 4G speeds are about 12-36 Mbps, and 5G services are expected to support speeds of up to 300 Mbps or better.
Will my 5G phone work only in places where 5G is available?
Your 5G phone is backward compatible with all of the earlier generations of wireless network to include 1G, 2G, 3G and 4 outside of 5G coverage areas.
Can I continue to use my 3G and 4G phones in a 5G location?
All of your 4G devices will continue to work. Mobile providers are expected to maintain their 4G networks as they invest in new 5G infrastructures. Check with your mobile provider to see if it plans to phase out its 3G services.
Are devices built for 3g and 4G going to work on the 5G Network?
No. New devices will be required. This includes mobile phones and other cellular devices, such as tablets and smart watches. Before purchasing a 5G device, check with your mobile provider to see if 5G service is available in your area.
Will an unlock 5G phone work on any network?
While many mobile phones purchased today are "unlocked" so you can change providers, 5G phones – even if advertised as unlocked – may not function on another provider's 5G network. Early 5G-capable devices may only include specific antennas designed to work with one company's 5G services. Check the device's specifications for the different frequencies it works with and compare that to those used by the providers you are considering.
Will 5G Home Internet become available soon?
Yes, 5G Home internet is currently available in some markets and countries around the world. To find out if you qualify, you must submit your address to a wireless carrier to make that determination. Keep in mind, you must have a 5G compatible router to activate a 5G home internet subscription.
I see the 5G appear on my home broadband. Do I have 5G?
The 5G label on your wireless router is responsible for the wi-fi network functionality. It means that the Wi-Fi is operating in the 5GHz (gigahertz) spectrum band. Wi-Fi is based on a different technology than 5G or fifth-generation wireless.
What Does the FCC Have to Say About 5G Rollout?
In an effort to facilitate the deployment of 5G wireless technology in the United States, the FCC is focused on three comprehensive strategies that include three key components:
- Modernization of outdated spectrum deployment policies
- Renewal and advancement of infrastructure policies
- Making more spectrum available in the marketplace
