What Is 5G and How Fast Can It Really Go?

5G represents the fifth generation of cellular network technology, designed to significantly outperform its 4G predecessor in multiple ways. The most notable improvement is speed—theoretical 5G speeds can reach up to 10 Gbps under ideal conditions, which is approximately 100 times faster than average 4G speeds.

However, real-world 5G speeds vary considerably based on several factors. The type of 5G deployment makes a substantial difference: mmWave (millimeter wave) 5G offers the fastest speeds but limited coverage range, while low-band 5G provides wider coverage at slower speeds. Mid-band 5G strikes a balance between speed and coverage. In practical terms, consumers might experience speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on their location, network congestion, and the specific 5G technology deployed in their area.

The Three Types of 5G Networks Explained

Understanding the different types of 5G helps explain the significant variations in performance users might experience:

Low-band 5G operates on frequencies below 1 GHz, similar to 4G LTE. This type offers the widest coverage area and better building penetration, but speeds typically range from 50-250 Mbps—only marginally faster than good 4G connections.

Mid-band 5G uses frequencies between 1-6 GHz and represents the most common implementation. It balances good coverage with substantially improved speeds, typically delivering 100-900 Mbps in real-world conditions. This band offers the most practical compromise between performance and accessibility.

High-band 5G (mmWave) utilizes frequencies from 24-40 GHz and delivers the blazing-fast speeds 5G is famous for—potentially up to 3 Gbps in real-world tests. However, these signals have extremely limited range (often just a few hundred meters) and cannot penetrate buildings, making deployment challenging and expensive.

Major 5G Network Providers Comparison

The major carriers have taken different approaches to 5G deployment, resulting in varying experiences for users:

ProviderNetwork TypeAverage SpeedsCoverage
T-MobilePrimarily mid-band300-500 MbpsExtensive
VerizonmmWave and low-bandmmWave: 1-3 Gbps
Low-band: 50-250 Mbps		mmWave: Limited
Low-band: Wide
AT&TLow-band and mid-band75-450 MbpsGrowing

Qualcomm, the leading provider of 5G modems and RF systems, reports that their latest X70 modem can support theoretical download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. However, independent testing by Opensignal shows that real-world performance varies significantly between carriers and locations.

T-Mobile has focused heavily on mid-band deployment, giving them an advantage in providing a good balance of speed and coverage. Verizon initially emphasized mmWave technology in urban centers but has since expanded low-band coverage. AT&T has taken a more measured approach with a mix of low-band and mid-band deployments.

Benefits and Limitations of Current 5G Speeds

The advantages of 5G extend beyond just faster downloads:

  • Lower latency - 5G networks can achieve latency as low as 1-10ms compared to 50ms+ on 4G, making real-time applications more responsive
  • Higher capacity - 5G can connect many more devices simultaneously without degradation
  • Improved reliability - Network slicing allows dedicated bandwidth for critical applications

However, current 5G implementations face several challenges:

Battery drain remains a significant issue with 5G-enabled devices. The higher frequencies and complex processing required for 5G connections can reduce battery life by 10-20% compared to 4G. Samsung and Apple have implemented adaptive connectivity that switches between 4G and 5G based on application needs to mitigate this issue.

Coverage limitations persist, particularly with mmWave technology. Building penetration remains poor with high-frequency signals, and rural areas see minimal benefit from current deployments. Weather conditions, particularly rain and humidity, can also significantly impact mmWave 5G performance.

5G Hardware Requirements and Device Compatibility

To take full advantage of 5G speeds, both your device and your plan must support the technology:

Most flagship smartphones from the past two years include 5G capability, but they don't all support the same 5G bands. Devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google typically support low, mid, and high-band 5G, but less expensive phones might only support low and mid-band frequencies.

5G home internet is becoming increasingly available from providers like Verizon and T-Mobile, offering an alternative to traditional broadband. These services typically deliver speeds of 100-300 Mbps and can be self-installed, making them convenient options for many households.

Router technology has also evolved to support 5G connections. Companies like Netgear offer 5G-capable routers that can serve as primary internet connections or failover systems when wired connections go down. These devices typically support both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G, depending on the model and price point.

Conclusion

5G network speeds represent a significant leap forward in mobile connectivity, though the real-world experience varies considerably depending on deployment type, location, and device capabilities. As carriers continue to expand their infrastructure and improve their implementations, users can expect more consistent performance and wider availability. The full potential of 5G will likely be realized through its enabling of new technologies and applications rather than simply faster downloads on current devices. For consumers considering an upgrade to 5G, understanding the specific implementation in their area is crucial to setting realistic expectations about the performance improvements they'll experience.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.