Seeking clarification on what is the 5G network, or the average 5G speed? You may be familiar already, or witnessed the ludicrous ruckus and allegations that started circling once it dropped. Or you may have even noticed that tiny little 4 in the corner of your screen magically transform into a whopping 5.
Or quite possibly, you may have never even thought to question the change at all because bigger is better, right? Well, you are not wrong there! This blog post is here to explain to curious minds what is 5G network, and what is the difference between 4G and 5G.
What Is The 5G Network?
Simply 5G stands for 5th generation wireless technology. Does not have quite the same ring to it but sure does make it clearer. In other words, it is an upgrade from our beloved 4G.
Offering faster data download and upload speeds through greater use of radio spectrum it will allow for more devices to access mobile internet at the same time!
A massively improved network speed is always great, but no use if your phone is slowing you down! Learn why your phone is so slow & how to speed up your mobile here – or continue reading to discover the difference between 4G and 5G:
The Different Levels Of 5G – What is the difference between 4G and 5G?
Not all 5G is created equally. Like many things in tech, there are different levels to 5G.
Firstly, we have the lower band which is 600MHZ. This one has the furthest range with the signal travelling through walls and buildings and reaching the most people both indoors and outside. It is around 20% faster than your standard 4G and is arguably the most beneficial.
Secondly, we have a medium band of 2.5GHZ. This produces a mid-range signal and is 2-4 times faster than 4G.
Finally, we have the highest band which is a millimetre wave. This is arguably the fastest, however can be easily blocked by even the smallest of things. This signal is affected by rain and even a piece of paper making it quite unreliable.
The Previous Generations
Let us take you down memory lane with the predecessors of 5G:
Firstly, we have 1G. The first-ever implementation of the mobile network with the delivery of analogue time. 1G supports voice-only calls with a maximum speed of 2.4Kbps.
Then we have 2G, the introduction of a digital voice. This tech introduced call and text encryption, along with SMS, picture messages and MMS. The general speed of 2G was 50Kbps.
3G which is the implementation and mass usage of mobile data. This meant you could use your phone in more data-demanding ways such as video calling and mobile internet access. The maximum speed of 3G was estimated to be around 2 Mbps for non-moving devices and 38Kbps in moving vehicles.
And finally, 4G. An enhancement to the era of mobile broadbands. Released in 2008, 4G supported mobile web access like 3G, as well as gaming services, HD mobile TV, video conferencing, and other features that require high speeds. Max speed of 4G when the device is moving is 100Mbps, and 1Gbps when stationary or walking.
How To Take Advantage Of 5G
In order to reap the benefits of 5G, you need to be using a device that is compatible with this new technology. If you are unsure if a device is compatible, you can just do a quick little search, but as a rule the latest and greatest mobiles are usually compatible. The beauty of 5G is that you will automatically be connected if there is 5G in your area, if not it will seamlessly switch between 5G and 4G, so you are always connected!
Could this just be the extra push you need to finally get that upgrade? Come on we know you want to!
What are the benefits of 5G?
There are many benefits of 5G – It can handle many more devices, providing better connectivity, coverage and a faster and more reliable service! Finding yourself using too much data now that everything loads so fast? Read through our guide on how to reduce mobile data usage now!
Why Do We Need 5G?
The world is going mobile with more and more data being consumed every single day. With the streaming of videos and music, the existing spectrum bands are unable to take all this new traffic. This congestion is leading to breakdowns in the service especially when many people are trying to connect in one area.
5G is able to handle the high demand more effectively, therefore providing the optimal service. Read more about the power of 5G here.
What Now?
Well, if you don’t want to be left in the dark ages of slow and unreliable mobile data, it may be time for an upgrade. The only thing left to do? Discover our breathtaking business mobile plans & packages and business SIM only deals now!
Prefer using WiFi? Here’s how to get Free London Underground WiFi for EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 customers!
