In today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants to have fast data speeds and reliable service—at all times, and all places. That’s one big reason why wireless communication technology is becoming increasingly popular. It does not only facilitate better access to information on the go for users, but plays a vital role in the advancement of industries and businesses—all around the globe. The more the mobile wireless communication improves, the better the connections made by collective systems and individual users alike.
At this point, the 5G wireless technology is theoretically all set to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G. Albeit, actual speeds are far slower than theoretical calculations, with 5G internet users can still download a high-definition video in a matter of seconds—for example AT&T 5G Plus is reported to have hit peak speeds over 950 Mbps, letting you download a 2 hour movie in a jiffy.
According to research, 5G is anticipated to cover over 40% of world’s population by the end of 2024—with an estimated 1.5 billion mobile users connected to 5G wireless networks. But, here we are in 2021—and it already looks like a milestone year for 5G. What with faster rollouts of the next-gen wireless tech—devices, coverage, carriers and more—as utilization at individual, business and industry levels sets off.
It would not be wrong to say 5G has the potential to change how we live our everyday life. Because, it is strongly believed the 5G network is capable of not just providing lightning fast broadband speeds for standard personal usage, but making possible innovative development in a variety of niches—VR Tech, autonomous vehicles, Internet of Things, Industrial Internet of Things, smart city infrastructures—to name a few.
A transformation is in transition—and a brand new experience awaits both individual and corporate users of 5G technology. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too long at all, before we see things going beyond AI on edge devices, used for machine vision and machine learning. As IoT device tech gets integrated via 5G we will see safer, smarter and more optimal transportation of services—“Things” will begin to communicate with other “Things”—making for a far more connected landscape.
5G wireless technology is believed to have been introduced with the primary aim of facilitating real-time communication—and like so as it continues to evolve not only will it alter the environment we live in, but also the way we communicate in our personal lives—meaning a stronger connection not just among “Things”, but people.
For a myriad of reasons, the arrival of the fifth-generation wireless tech has been the talk of the town lately. And, goes without saying 5G has already created many new opportunities for the telecom industry—with cellular service providers, and cell phone manufacturers among the top-most players and beneficiaries.
Now if you want to be ready to embrace the mega change which is soon due to be in full swing—read on to learn about 5G coverage, carriers and devices.
5G wireless tech is sure ready to redefine internet connectivity. With more capacity 5G networks can connect a greater number of users and devices while delivering higher data transfer rates—and thus accommodate the consistently growing data traffic every year.
2020 was supposed to be the year of 5G. Unfortunately, the start was anything but bumpy due to the pandemic which hit the globe early last year. A variety of challenges had to be tackled by telecom giants that were ready to extend 5G coverage across the U.S., and elsewhere. But the good news is, the next-gen wireless tech is all set to reach new heights in 2021—more carriers and coverage, and more devices—the 5G bang, which went somewhat unheard last year, is expected to be loud in 2021.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, are already expanding their 5G networks across the United States. Albeit, 5G is not widely available in every part of the world, manufacturers have managed to market their 5G smartphones—Samsung was reported to have shipped 8.3 million units as early as the first quarter of 2020. From the looks of it a vast cross section of consumers has preferred to get their hands on 5G compatible devices even if they do not yet have access to 5G service.
Let’s take a quick look at the 5G wireless landscape in the U.S. as far as carriers offering the service and available devices:
AT&T is one of the leading service providers in the United States—with an estimated 182 million wireless subscribers. The AT&T 5G network comes in layers. Lightning-fast speed in high traffic areas is delivered via the mmWave (high-band) spectrum, and is so far limited to commercial usage. While coverage over larger swaths of land is made possible via the sub-6GHz (low-band) spectrum. Overall, AT&T boasts the fastest 5G wireless network in the U.S., its 5G coverage has reached over 14,000 cities and towns, while 5G has been launched in 38 cities so far.
With the promise to offer the best 5G coverage and speed, AT&T now has Wireless plans supporting 5G, and the only thing you’d need is a phone that is compatible with AT&T 5G.
Read our detailed review of AT&T 5G coverage and plans.
Verizon offers the mmWave (high-band) Ultra 5G services to support ultra-low lag and higher throughput—however its 5G Ultra coverage is not as widely available as 5G Nationwide. For now 5G Ultra is accessible in about 60 cities. On the other hand, the low-band 5G Nationwide service is available to an estimated 230 million people in 2700 cities. While Verizon 5G Ultra speeds have been recorded to hit a peak of 988 Mbps, according to Opensignal 5G Nationwide speed maxes out at about 47.4 Mbps.
Verizon is not only offering 5G mobile broadband plans, but 5G Home Internet—which is available in select areas so far, and brings speeds up to 300 Mbps. The all-in-one 5G Ultra Wideband receiver and the newest Wi-Fi 6 router blanket your home in super-fast 5G Wi-Fi.
Like its competitors, T-Mobile is utilizing different frequency bands to deliver 5G wireless across the US. T-Mobile 5G Extended Range makes use of the low-band spectrum, while 5G Ultra Capacity utilizes the mid-band. T-Mobile’s real edge lies in how wisely it chose to control the mid-band spectrum—which has proven ability to both carry the signal farther and handle more data. This is why T-Mobile is now focused on deploying Ultra Capacity 5G nationwide.
At its launch in 2019, the T-Mobile 5G network covered 200 million people in 5000 cities. But the extensive effort put in by the company resulted in greater coverage for T-Mobile 5G than either AT&T or Verizon. By the end of 2020 the mid-band 5G network reached 270 million people across the US. And overall, T-Mobile 5G is available in 8300 cities in the US.
As with competitors, T-Mobile has ensured anyone who owns a 5G compatible device is able to connect to its 5G network—T-Mobile plans include 5G access at no extra cost.
In 2021, a new era of mobile connectivity awaits you—alongside the fast-spreading 5G networks. As a variety of mobile manufacturers continue to offer 5G devices, users are now one step closer to unlocking the power of 5G wireless technology—the 5G dream is more real than ever!
If you have been an iPhone user for a long time, you can opt for iPhone 12 series. The 12 series phones offer advanced features including extensive 5G support. For instance, iPhone 12 Pro is more than just stylish—great performance & an immersive experience, pro camera system, and Smart Data mode. The best part is the iPhone 12 series supports all major 5G carriers in the United States.
If you prefer Android over iOS devices, you can choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 series. All three models of the series look chic, and come in a variety of appealing colors too. And, all support 5G wireless services offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is another great option to fit your 5G needs. The 3rd in the line of folding Samsung phones, this is perhaps the most elegant and innovative of them all—and supports all currently used 5G bands in the US.
The ‘world’s first 5G swivel smartphone’ from LG, was a revolutionary device introduced in 2020. This phone is without a doubt unlike anything in the market—it supports an enhanced level of productivity and creativity via its multi-screen feature. And, is equipped with a wide range of premium features—triple rear cameras, pro-quality video recording, and of course 5G connectivity. You can use the LG Wing with a 5G service plan from AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile and Verizon.
So, there you are!
Knowing about what 5G has in store for you, which carriers offer the newest cellular service type, and which top of the line devices are compatible with the variety of 5G bands being utilized in the U.S., you can ponder over options and possibilities. Picking up the right 5G device, and getting connected to the 5G network via the most suitable carrier will help you embrace the new era of wireless communication. Remember T-Mobile now requires 4G & 5G devices to support VoLTE for enhanced voice communication.
Also, it is likely, carriers in the U.S. will follow in Verizon’s footsteps, and it would not be too long before we see 5G Internet for Homes being made available by other telecom giants such as AT&T.
So get ready for 5G connectivity—as the rollout progresses, you’ll experience a revolution not only in your online experience, but in how the world around you functions. Learn and invest today, and experience a seamless connection everyday.