What is 5G home internet?

Simply put, 5G represents the fifth generation of wireless data networks, aiming to provide faster data speeds with much less lag or delay than its predecessor, 4G. Most people are familiar with the term 5G in relation to better mobile communications and speedier phones. This is due to the use of different radio frequencies that enable faster data speeds.

My colleague, John, does a great job of breaking down the basics of 5G. The technology uses millimeter-wave technology, which employs much higher frequencies than previous generations, resulting in faster speeds and connections. However, those higher gigabit speeds come at a price; the data doesn't travel the same distance as 4G and has more trouble with obstructions.

To combat this issue, mid-band technology provides coverage area by millimeter-wave, offering speeds averaging between 300 and 400 megabits per second. Finally, low-band 5G offers a range similar to 4G but with speeds between 100 and 200Mbps.

Where is 5G home internet service available?

Let's be clear: 5G home internet service is not yet available everywhere, despite the list of cities expanding almost every month, with most being larger US cities.

Among the three providers we've highlighted, T-Mobile Home Internet has the widest availability. T-Mobile has expanded the service availability of its fixed wireless service to over 40 million households, surpassing Verizon's claim that its 5G home internet service is now available to 30 million homes. However, T-Mobile acknowledges that its service is not universally available across those locations due to network capacity constraints and a limited inventory of its router.

Verizon's 5G Home Internet is currently available in approximately 900 markets, covering more cities than T-Mobile but with fewer total households in which it is available.

Starry Internet is available in Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC. However, its future expansion roadmap, which included cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Memphis, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle, is now on hold indefinitely as Starry filed for Chapter 11 financial relief on February 21.

Does 5G home internet make sense for you?

First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge that no matter how good the service is, it's all for naught if it's unavailable at your address. As 5G technology continues to be rolled out across the country, we should expect to encounter some hurdles along the way.

Despite this, the availability of 5G home internet is rapidly increasing, thanks in part to its affordable and straightforward pricing, which is highly appealing. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue as availability expands further. However, if 5G emerges as a viable broadband option for traditionally underserved parts of rural America, it would represent a significant step forward.

As a general user, Albert J. Owen noted after testing T-Mobile's service, "imperfection is a lot more tolerable when you're paying less than half what you were before."

5G home internet FAQs:

What does the 'G' stand for in 5G?

The term "generation" simply refers to a progression in technology. Therefore, 5G denotes the fifth iteration of cellular technology.

What's the difference between 5G home internet and cable internet?

Cable internet, be it through coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, or a combination of the two, uses wired connections to transfer data from a central hub to your residence. Conversely, 5G home internet is a fixed wireless solution that employs an internet gateway to establish a connection to your home using radio frequencies, which connect to a nearby cell tower or data hub.

How much does 5G home internet cost?

Compared to other available options, 5G home internet is relatively affordable, especially when you consider the decent download speeds offered by current plans. T-Mobile offers an average download speed of just over 100Mbps, Starry provides 200Mbps, and Verizon boasts a median speed of 300Mbps. Monthly costs range from a low of $15 (Starry's budget option) to a high of $70 (Verizon 5G Home Plus without the Verizon mobile discount). However, all three providers include all fees, taxes, equipment, and installation charges in their monthly costs, so what you see is what you pay. Additionally, none of the providers require term contracts, meaning there are no early termination fees to worry about.

How fast is 5G home internet?

Theoretically, 5G has the potential to offer a fast and reliable connection that could compete with or surpass cable and fiber internet speeds. However, the reality of 5G home internet is different from this ideal. To improve the reliability and coverage of 5G internet service, most providers currently use a combination of millimeter-wave, low-band, and mid-band technology, along with 4G LTE in some cases. As a result, current 5G home internet customers may not experience the full capabilities of the technology in terms of speed and performance.