5G began rolling out across the U.S. in 2019, and even though 5G Advanced. A major upgrade is currently under development, there remain areas not covered. Many rural regions and small towns still rely solely on 4G LTE connectivity.
Even in areas with 5G coverage, your service from your network can vary depending on factors like provider plans, location and device. Depending on which carrier you use you may see icons such as 5G+ or 5G UC or UW appear in the status bar of your phone – although this may be confusing as AT&T may only make this symbol available through some MVNO carriers, like Cricket Wireless who utilize its network.
AT&T divides 5G into two types, 5G and 5G+. 5G is a low-band technology which has marginally faster speeds than 4G LTE; 5G+ makes use of midband spectrum high frequency band with speeds that can exceed 1 Gbps.
The difference between 5G and 5G+ on AT&T
5G networks can be divided into three spectrums: low, middle and high. AT&T currently offers 5G in over 25,000 towns and cities throughout the US – covering an estimated 300 million users – making their basic 5G service accessible when selecting AT&T home internet service plans. While basic 5G service may not offer top speeds like other networks do; nonetheless it remains reliable enough for everyday tasks and will give users access when opting for home internet plans from AT&T.
AT&T employs 5G+ to indicate both its high-band and midband spectrums. With its midband serving over 220 million users and offering faster speeds than 5G basic in all metros. This could cause confusion.
AT&T currently offers high-band frequencies in over fifty cities in over 80 locations; high-band 5G can only be found there due to being less effective at passing through obstacles such as walls and barriers limiting coverage; these networks tend to be found at stadiums, airports, popular venues, or entertainment zones.
No five-digit logo will allow you to easily determine whether you’re connected to high or mid band networks; however, if your speeds dramatically increase and you reside in an area with enough traffic it could indicate you are linked to one with more bandwidth.
5G+ Vs. 5G UW Vs. 5G UC
AT&T uses 5G+ as an advertising term to refer to the speed of 5G. While other carriers use different terms – T-Mobile uses 5G UC (Ultra Capacity) for its high and mid bands – T-Mobile remains the most widely used provider when it comes to mid band coverage in America.
Verizon refers to both of their high-band and midband networks collectively as 5G UW, or Ultra Wideband. While initially only applying this moniker to high-band networks, this term now encompasses midband as well. To add further marketing jargon into this mix Verizon was previously referring to low-band 5G networks under “5G Nationwide.”
Important to keep in mind is if you see an AT&T network with a 5GE icon, it does not indicate 5G as such; 5GE stands for “5G Evolution,” which is effectively just redesigned 4G LTE technology. According to the National Advertising Review Board’s advice, AT&T should stop using this symbol altogether by 2020; however it still appears in certain locations.
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Q&A
What does 5G+ on my phone mean?
5G+ indicates that your phone is connected to a higher frequency band of the 5G network. It offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to standard 5G.
How is 5G+ different from regular 5G?
5G+ operates on higher frequency bands, providing faster data speeds and improved performance. Regular 5G, or sub-6 GHz 5G, operates on lower frequencies with broader coverage but slightly slower speeds.
Why is 5G+ important?
5G+ is important because it enhances your mobile experience with ultra-fast internet speeds, reduced latency, and better connectivity. This is beneficial for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
Will 5G+ improve my phone’s performance?
Yes, 5G+ can significantly improve your phone’s performance by providing quicker download and upload speeds, smoother streaming, and more reliable connections.
Is 5G+ available everywhere?
No, 5G+ is not available everywhere. It is primarily available in urban areas and specific regions where higher frequency bands are deployed.
Do I need a special phone to access 5G+?
Yes, you need a phone that supports 5G+ technology. Most modern smartphones are equipped to handle both standard 5G and 5G+.
How can I check if my phone supports 5G+?
You can check your phone’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or in the settings under network options. Look for terms like “mmWave” or “5G+” compatibility.