As 5G technology emerges, smartphone users need to be aware that not all 5G connections offer the same performance, leading to varying speeds and coverage depending on the connection. To better understand these differences, it is important to comprehend the distinctions between 5G UC, 5G UW, and 5G+ connections. By being well-informed, users can manage their expectations and make more informed decisions when choosing a carrier or upgrading their devices.
Understanding High-band, Mid-band, and Low-band 5G
There are three types of 5G: high-band, mid-band, and low-band. High-band 5G, also known as millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G, can provide download speeds up to ten times faster than 4G LTE, yet has a limited range and requires new cellular tower technology. Mid-band 5G offers a balanced combination of increased speeds and broader coverage compared to high-band, making it a popular choice among network providers. Low-band 5G focuses on providing improved connectivity and broader coverage, even in rural areas, but has slower download speeds than high-band and mid-band options.
Low-band 5G and Its Limitations
Low-band 5G delivers a marginal speed improvement over 4G LTE and can employ existing networks for more straightforward deployment. However, this minimal advancement may not be enough to fully experience the true potential of 5G technology. To achieve greater data speeds and lower latency, further investment in higher frequency bands and infrastructure enhancements will be necessary.
Mid-band 5G and Its Benefits
Mid-band 5G offers a compromise between the two, with speeds six times faster than LTE and a greater range than high-band. This makes mid-band 5G the ideal choice for those who require both speed and coverage in their daily usage. Consequently, many carriers are focusing their efforts on expanding their mid-band 5G networks to provide users with a perfect balance of performance and accessible connectivity.
Understanding 5G Carrier Nomenclature
Major US carriers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, employ distinct naming systems for their 5G networks. These naming conventions can often lead to confusion, so deciphering each carrier’s unique characteristics is essential in understanding their network capabilities. Here’s what you need to know about each carrier’s 5G offerings:
AT&T 5G+ and 5GE
AT&T denotes its mid-band and high-band frequencies as 5G+, while low-band is referred to as 5GE. The 5G+ represents a faster, high-performance connection, whereas 5GE, or 5G Evolution, offers a more widespread and accessible network, but with somewhat slower speeds compared to 5G+.
T-Mobile 5G UC and 5G Extended Range
T-Mobile uses the term 5G UC (Ultra Capacity) for high-band and mid-band and labels low-band as “5G extended range.” The 5G Ultra Capacity network promises faster speeds and improved capacity compared to its extended range counterpart. Meanwhile, the 5G extended range focuses on providing wider coverage and better penetration through walls and buildings, albeit at somewhat slower speeds.
Verizon 5G UW and 5G Nationwide
Verizon refers to its mid-band and high-band frequencies as 5G UW (Ultra Wideband) and designates low-band 5G as 5G Nationwide. The 5G UW (Ultra Wideband) offers faster speeds and greater bandwidth, supporting a wider range of applications and use cases while the 5G Nationwide provides broader coverage, ensuring more users have access to the upgraded network technology.
Interpreting 5G Network Symbols on Phone Screens
The network symbols visible on phone screens represent the type of 5G connection in use. Understanding these icons helps users gauge the connection speed and potential capabilities of their devices at any given moment. However, to identify whether a high-band or mid-band connection is active, it might be necessary to examine download speeds.
Comparing High-band and Mid-band 5G Connections
High-band connections tend to offer faster download speeds and improved performance, while mid-band connections have moderately-fast speeds suitable for most daily tasks. It is essential to understand the specific connectivity needs and requirements for different situations, as this will help in choosing the ideal band for optimal results.
Identifying Mid-band 5G Networks
Most likely, users will be connected to a mid-band network when their phones indicate 5G+, 5G UC, or 5G UW. These mid-band networks offer faster speeds and lower latency compared to the initial low-band 5G networks rolled out by carriers. Consequently, users will experience enhanced performance in their daily browsing, video streaming, and gaming activities when connected to these 5G signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types ofApp 5G connections?
The three types of 5G connections are high-band 5G, mid-band 5G, and low-band 5G. High-band 5G provides the fastest speeds but has limited range, mid-band 5G offers a balanced combination of speed and coverage, and low-band 5G prioritizes broader coverage but has slower speeds.
What are the different naming conventions for 5G networks by the major US carriers?
AT&T uses 5G+ for mid-band and high-band frequencies and 5GE for low-band. T-Mobile refers to high-band and mid-band as 5G UC (Ultra Capacity) and low-band as 5G extended range. Verizon labels mid-band and high-band frequencies as 5G UW (Ultra Wideband) and low-band 5G as 5G Nationwide.
How can I identify the type of 5G connection my phone is using?
Your phone screen displays network symbols that represent the type ofApp 5G connection in use. Most likely, your phone will be connected to a mid-band network when displaying 5G+, 5G UC, or 5G UW. To identify whether a high-band or mid-band connection is active, it might be necessary to examine download speeds.
What is the main difference between high-band and mid-band 5G connections?
High-band 5G connections offer significantly faster download speeds and improved performance, while mid-band 5G connections provide moderately-fast speeds suitable for most daily tasks. The choice between high-band and mid-band depends on the specific connectivity needs and requirements for different situations.
Why is mid-band 5G considered the most popular choice among network providers?
Mid-band 5G is favored by network providers because it offers a balanced combination of increased speeds and broader coverage compared to high-band 5G. This makes it ideal for users who require both speed and coverage in their daily usage, and as a result, many carriers are focusing their efforts on expanding their mid-band 5G networks.
First Reported on: lifehacker.com
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Buro Millennial; Pexels; Thank you!
