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Technology Types

5G (Fifth Generation Wireless)

The latest generation of cellular network technology, offering significantly faster speeds and lower latency than 4G LTE. Available in three spectrum bands with different speed and range tradeoffs.

What It Means

5G operates across three spectrum bands: low-band (600-900 MHz) offers wide coverage but modest speed improvements over 4G, mid-band (2.5-3.7 GHz) balances speed and coverage with typical speeds of 200-700 Mbps, and mmWave (24-47 GHz) delivers multi-gigabit speeds but only at very short range. T-Mobile leads in mid-band 5G coverage, while Verizon pioneered mmWave deployments. For fixed wireless home internet, 5G has become a legitimate broadband alternative in many markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "5G" mean?

The latest generation of cellular network technology, offering significantly faster speeds and lower latency than 4G LTE. Available in three spectrum bands with different speed and range tradeoffs.

Why does 5G matter for internet quality?

5G operates across three spectrum bands: low-band (600-900 MHz) offers wide coverage but modest speed improvements over 4G, mid-band (2.5-3.7 GHz) balances speed and coverage with typical speeds of 200-700 Mbps, and mmWave (24-47 GHz) delivers multi-gigabit speeds but only at very short range. T-Mob...

Related Terms

Fiber Optic (FTTH)
Internet delivered via glass or plastic strands that transmit data as pulses of light, offering the fastest and most reliable residential connections available.
Cable Internet (DOCSIS)
Broadband delivered over coaxial cable TV lines using the DOCSIS protocol, typically offering 100-1,200 Mbps download but significantly slower upload speeds.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Internet service delivered over traditional copper telephone lines, with speeds that degrade significantly over distance from the provider's central office.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Broadband delivered wirelessly from a cell tower or base station to an antenna at the customer's location, using 4G LTE or 5G signals.

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About This Data

Definitions based on FCC standards, industry specifications, and federal broadband policy. Speed benchmarks reflect 2024 FCC standards. See our methodology.