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4G Phones on a 5G Network: What You Need to Know
November 9, 2023
As 5G networks expand, one question it raises is: what happens to existing 4G devices? Whether you’re managing a business’s mobile fleet or planning future technology investments, understanding the compatibility between 4G phones and 5G networks is important. Here’s what you need to know about navigating this technological expansion.
What Is 5G?
Compared to 4G LTE, 5G offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity for connected devices. The wider adoption of 5G technology provides these advantages:- Ultra-fast fiber-optic network speeds that peak at 20 gigabits per second (Gbps), meaning HD movies can be downloaded in seconds
- Reduced latency or lag time on cellular devices and cuts in response time from hundreds of milliseconds down to a few, boosting real-time data transfer
- Simultaneous connections among more smart devices, supporting one million devices per 0.38 square miles, as compared to just 2,000 devices with 4G
Will 4G phones work in a 5G world?
While a 4G phone can't connect to a 5G network, it will still work just fine in a 5G world. 4G LTE networks support speeds of up to 100 Mbps or higher, offering reliable performance for most common cellular device needs, even when compared to faster 5G networks.When Will 4G Be Phased Out?
The growth of 5G networks doesn’t mean 4G is going away. Mobile carriers will use existing 4G LTE networks to provide their customers cell service into the next decade. 5G networks will work with 4G — not outright replace it. The upshot is that 5G-capable cell phones will still use 4G technology.Which Carriers Offer 5G Service?
In the United States, all major wireless carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer 5G service, though they deploy it across different types of spectrum that affect coverage and performance. Low-band 5G provides wide-area coverage and improved reliability, making it useful for broad geographic reach and indoor penetration, though speeds are closer to advanced LTE. Mid-band 5G strikes a balance between coverage and performance, delivering faster speeds and greater capacity while still reaching many indoor environments. High-band 5G (often called millimeter wave) offers the fastest speeds and lowest latency but covers smaller areas and has limited ability to penetrate buildings. Most carriers use a combination of these 5G bands, often alongside LTE, to deliver a mix of coverage, speed, and capacity depending on location and environment.Will a new Cell Phone Fix Weak Signal Problems?
Even with 5G cellular connectivity and speed, signal blockers still cause lagging and interference. Several obstacles will continue to interrupt your signal in a 5G world, including:- Materials used in the construction of your home or office, including concrete, steel, brick, foam insulation, and energy-efficient glass, can be signal-blockers.
- Vehicle materials — the metal body of most vehicles can also block your signal.
- Natural barriers — dense obstacles between you and the nearest cell tower like tall buildings, forests, and mountains can reduce the relative strength of your cell signal.
- Heavy weather — Storms, fog, and severe weather can disrupt cell reception and data transmission and increase dropped calls.
- Remoteness — Being in rural areas or wilderness can be a further impediment if this places you far from the nearest 4G or 5G cell tower.
What Is a Cellular Repeater?
A cellular repeater system, or a Passive Distributed Antenna (DAS) system, improves cell reception in buildings, vehicles, and homes. Powerful antennas collect and amplify the signal from cell towers and then broadcast the enhanced signal within range of your mobile phone. A repeater system is composed of the following three components:- An outside antenna pulls a signal from a cell tower into a vehicle or building.
- A repeater amplifies the signal being received by the outside antenna.
- An inside antenna broadcasts the enhanced signal for immediate use by cell phones and other cellular devices.
Why Do Customers Choose Wilson Connectivity Cellular Repeaters?
Wilson Connectivity is a leader in wireless technology innovation. There are several key reasons customers choose us:- We have End-to-End In-Building Expertise (Not a One-Size-Fits-All Product)
- Our Trust, Compliance, and Carrier Acceptance
- Our Proven Track Record + U.S.-Based Engineering and Support
How to Get Started Today
Get faster data speeds and fewer dropped calls today with a Wilson Connectivity cellular signal solution. We offer custom solutions to fit the needs of businesses in every industry. If you’d like to learn more about our solutions, contact us today.Featured & Trending Now
