The arrival of 5G marks a major shift in how people connect, communicate, and access information. It’s more than just faster download speeds—it’s a new wireless standard with the potential to transform industries, improve mobile performance, and change the way businesses operate.
But what exactly is 5G, and how does it differ from 4G LTE? Here’s what consumers and businesses need to know about this next-generation wireless technology.
- What Is 5G?
5G stands for fifth-generation mobile network. It’s the successor to 4G LTE and offers significantly faster speeds, lower latency (or lag), and the ability to support far more connected devices at once.
There are three types of 5G:
- Low-band 5G: Offers broad coverage but only slightly faster speeds than 4G.
- Mid-band 5G: Balances speed and coverage, ideal for urban and suburban areas.
- High-band (mmWave) 5G: Offers extremely fast speeds but limited range—mainly used in dense city environments.
Each carrier uses a different mix of these bands to build its 5G network.
Helpful link:
Qualcomm: What is 5G?
- How Fast Is 5G Compared to 4G?
While 4G LTE typically delivers speeds between 30–100 Mbps, 5G can reach:
- Low-band: ~100–250 Mbps
- Mid-band: 300–600 Mbps
- High-band (mmWave): 1–3 Gbps
However, actual speed depends on your carrier, location, phone, and network conditions.
Use Speedtest by Ookla to check your device’s current connection and see if you’re in a 5G coverage zone.
- Do You Need a 5G Phone?
To access 5G, you’ll need a 5G-compatible device. Most flagship smartphones made after 2020 support 5G, including:
- iPhone 12 and newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Google Pixel 5 and newer
If you’re upgrading, confirm the device supports the bands used by your carrier.
- 5G for Business: Why It Matters
5G isn’t just for streaming videos faster—it’s a game-changer for industries that rely on real-time data. For businesses, 5G can enhance:
- Remote work and video conferencing with more stable connections
- IoT deployment in sectors like logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing
- Mobile POS and field operations with faster, more secure access to cloud services
- AR/VR and live experiences in retail, healthcare, and training environments
- 5G Coverage: Where It’s Available Now
All three major U.S. carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—have national 5G rollouts, but coverage quality varies.
- T-Mobile currently leads in overall 5G availability
- Verizon leads in mmWave performance but has limited range
- AT&T is expanding its mid-band and low-band coverage rapidly
Check your provider’s map to see if your area is covered before making a device or plan change.
- Is 5G More Expensive?
Most carriers include 5G access in standard unlimited plans, but you’ll want to verify. Some entry-level or prepaid plans may still restrict 5G speeds or coverage.
If you’re paying your bill through rewards platforms like Fluz, you can earn cashback with an AT&T gift card, buy a T-Mobile gift card with cashback, or get rewards with a Verizon gift card to lower the cost of your monthly service. Visit the Fluz homepage to explore these options.
Final Thoughts
5G is more than a speed upgrade—it’s a new foundation for wireless connectivity. Whether you’re a casual smartphone user or a business looking for competitive advantage, understanding 5G’s capabilities and availability can help you make smarter tech decisions in 2025 and beyond.
