What is 5G Home Internet? Everything you need to know
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What is 5G home internet?
You might already be familiar with 5G internet for your cell phone service. While 5G cellular service connects your mobile phone directly to your phone provider’s towers, 5G home internet requires a modem and router, also called a gateway, to supply Wi-Fi to multiple wireless devices (e.g., tablets, laptops, gaming consoles) in your home.
Technological advancements in software or digital processes are classified by generations. 5G is the fifth generation and the most current version of wireless technology, providing faster speeds than previous generations, such as 3G or 4G.
If you’re thinking about switching internet providers, find out everything you need to know about 5G home internet here.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of 5G home internet?
Like other types of internet connections, 5G internet has various pros and cons that make it suitable for certain households, but not every scenario.
For example, 5G home internet has lower latency and increased bandwidth compared to DSL or satellite internet. Still, 5G download speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to 1 GB, so internet users requiring multi-gig speeds will find more options with cable and fiber internet.
The following table highlights additional pros and cons you will commonly find with 5G home internet providers like T-Mobile and Verizon.
Pros
Unlimited data.
No contracts.
Broad availability.
Cons
Speed instability.
No multi-gig speed options.
Can be pricier than other broadband alternatives.
What makes 5G home internet different?
5G home internet was introduced around 2021, making it much newer than other more established broadband varieties. Here are some primary differences that set 5G apart from other best internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum or CenturyLink.
- Connection type: 5G home internet is a fixed wireless connection that uses radio waves at varying frequencies, or spectrums, to transmit data.
- No wires required: Unlike cable or fiber internet, 5G is not a hard-wired service. As a result, a 5G modem only needs to plug into an electrical outlet, saving on installation time and costs.
- Simple installation: Setting up 5G internet service is generally plug-and-play, so you can install the service yourself within minutes.
- Bundle deals: While the monthly cost of standalone 5G internet starts at $60, a benefit of 5G home internet is the option to bundle it with your wireless service, often for a monthly savings of $15 or more.
- Flexible payments: Both Verizon and T-Mobile offer prepaid internet plans in addition to their standard no-contract internet packages.
5G internet at home
Often, a primary concern is whether 5G home internet offers the right speeds to accommodate your online tasks. Take inventory of the number and types of devices you usually connect as well as your online activities, then use the following table as a general guide to determine your optimal speed. If your ideal speed is 1 GB or less, then 5G internet may be a good fit for you.
| Tasks | No. of devices | Recommended speed range |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing, email, light streaming | 1–5 | 3–100 Mbps |
| Streaming, gaming, remote work | 6–10 | 100–500 Mbps |
| Smart homes, gaming and streaming | Up to 40 | 500–1,000 |
| Concurrent video conferencing, heavy gaming, streaming, other data-intensive tasks | 40 and up | 1,000 and up |
How fast is 5G internet?
5G internet speeds vary by provider and plan. T-Mobile 5G home internet has one plan with speeds from 72–245 Mbps. Verizon 5G offers two plans: either 85–300 Mbps or 300–1,000 Mbps.
Is 5G home internet good for you?
The bottom line is that 5G speeds should work for many average homes but may not hold up in certain situations, like in fully integrated smart homes or super-connected homes with a multitude of devices. Therefore, if you require internet of 1 GB or more, 5G will likely not meet your needs.
However, if you are currently dissatisfied with slow internet and want to increase your speed, 5G is a practical and easily attainable solution.
Where is 5G home internet available?
5G internet is one of the fastest-growing internet connections thanks to the ease of establishing service. Since 5G doesn’t require lines, 5G home internet providers can broaden their service areas by building cell towers.
Still, 5G home internet is more limited than cable and other connection types due to having had significantly less time on the market. Check your location for available 5G internet deals or review the following cities with ample coverage areas for both T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet.
How reliable is 5G home internet?
Many people ask, “Is 5G home internet good?” The reliability and speed of 5G home internet can vary depending on your proximity to the nearest cell tower and the placement of your router, but those aren’t the only factors to consider.
Here’s what you need to know about 5G internet reliability:
- The number of 5G subscribers in your area also influences the reliability and consistency of 5G internet speeds.
- 5G internet is a shared connection, so the signal is divided into smaller portions as more people access wireless internet from a nearby tower.
- You may experience slower 5G speeds (or speed throttling) during increased network congestion, such as holidays, nights or evenings.
- Fiber internet will perform better than 5G because it is a dedicated connection that doesn’t divide bandwidth across multiple locations.
- Compared to 5G cell service, a 5G home internet service can deliver faster, more reliable speeds. But remember, 5G home internet only works at a fixed location, so you can’t take it on the go like 5G cellular service, and you must update your address with your 5G internet provider if you move.
5G home internet FAQs
What does 5G mean?
5G refers to the most current generation of wireless technology, which provides the fastest wireless connections with high bandwidth capabilities.
Is 5G the same as 5GHz?
No, 5G is not the same as 5GHz. 5G indicates a generation of wireless innovation, while GHz, or gigahertz, is a measurement of frequency in Wi-Fi networks. Specifically, 5GHz is a higher frequency band that delivers faster speeds over shorter distances.
How does 5G home internet work?
5G home internet establishes a wireless network in your home using signals from nearby cell towers. To get internet speeds of up to 1 GB, you need only a 5G service provider, a 5G modem, and a 5G router.
Is 5G home internet better than Wi-Fi?
Compared to free Wi-Fi hotspots or general cellular Wi-Fi from your mobile phone provider,
How fast is 5G home internet?
5G home internet speeds can reach 1 GB, depending on your provider and location. T-Mobile’s maximum speed is 245 Mbps, while Verizon 5G reaches 300 Mbps for a standard plan or up to 1,000 Mbps for the Home Plus plan.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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