If your service provider doesn't support 5G roaming, you can get cellular data through 4G or LTE networks or obtain a local SIM card or eSIM with 5G where available. Contact your service provider for more information.
Seeing as the majority of 5G plans are the same as 4G plans, and most new smartphones are 5G-ready, it's a no-brainer to say that yes, 5G is worth it. In most cases, if you're getting a new handset or deal, you'll probably get 5G included at no extra cost, and then you'll get connected to superfast download speeds.
The 5G network technology is based on the 4G lite network technology, which means your phone can connect to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks too. Most of the latest smartphones in 2022 will be compatible with the 5G network.
Will 4G phones work on a 5G network? You must have a 5G-capable phone to access a 5G network. Older 4G devices without 5G radios will not connect to 5G networks.
Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.
If you don't have a 5G phone, that's fine. You can still access super-fast and extensive 4G coverage on the Telstra network until you're ready for a new 5G device. The 3G network will be decommissioned in 2024.
4G phones still work on 4G LTE networks for now, but eventually they will become obsolete. Consider how long you plan to keep your phone; if you plan to keep your phone for longer than a year or so, it might be a good idea to get a phone that is 5G compatible.
half of U.S.A. will have access to 5G. By the year 2024, only half of Americans will actually own a 5G phone or other devices. No, 4G LTE shutdown will not be happening for atleast a decade. Therefore, the thing to remember is that 4G will not be going away anytime soon, regardless of how fast the 5G network grows.
With 5G, you can expect higher download speeds when using mobile data, lower latency (the time it takes for a device to respond to information or an action), increased reliability and more network capacity. Basically, 5G is faster and more stable than 4G, and it's capable of connecting a lot more devices.
"As a result, many older cellphones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice)," the FCC said.
If you're considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G. If you don't want to upgrade your device and it's dependent on 3G 900MHz, from September 2024 you'll no longer be able to make calls, send or receive texts, or browse the internet on the Optus network.
5G plans tend to be cheaper than NBN for the speeds on offer. Both 5G and NBN plans can achieve speeds over 500Mbps, but NBN plans can do so more consistently.
In 5G, the default voice codec in 5G smartphones enables “HD voice+”, using the 3GPP standardized Enhanced Voice Services (EVS). EVS can already be used in 4G networks, but is not mandatory. It provides a greater voice quality experience than what narrowband voice and HD voice provides today in 2G to 4G networks.
Will a 5G SIM work on a 4G-enabled smartphone? The answer is yes. However, there is a catch to it. “While a 5G SIM card can be used in 4G mobile, it would still be providing you with 4G networks as one of the major requirements to use the 5G technology is having a 5G-powered device,” according to the Airtel FAQ.
Are other cellular devices affected? Yes. Any device with a 3G cellular connection or a Sprint 4G LTE connection will be affected by the 2022 3G Shutdown. For example, many automotive-connected devices may be affected, including older OnStar systems and certain remote start systems.
Carriers continue to upgrade 4G networks, and both download speeds and latency are still improving. Even though carriers are spending more time and resources on 5G wireless technology, 4G networks will likely continue to provide faster speeds across the board.
Though 5G is typically the fastest mobile Internet connection, reliability can be a challenge. WiFi offers a faster, more reliable Internet connection when combined with a reliable router and a reliable Internet plan.
The two frequencies that Wi-Fi uses are 2.4GHz and 5GHz. In simple terms, 2.4GHz has a lower potential top speed but penetrates better, so it has a longer range than the higher frequency, 5GHz, which can deliver faster speeds but doesn't penetrate things like walls as easily.
Telstra's 5G network now covers over 80% of the Australian population, with the goal of hitting 95% of the population in 2025. Coverage spans Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.
If you have a device that is only able to connect to 3G you will be unable to connect to Telstra's network post 3G closure. Likewise, if you have a mobile device that does not have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if the mobile device is 4G/5G, it will not be able to make voice calls after 30th June 2024.
By retiring 3G and 2G, these radio frequencies can be repurposed for faster, more energy-efficient 4G and 5G services. 5G is ten times more energy efficient than 3G and offer customers better, faster and more reliable services.
Check to make sure your phone will work in Australia
Australia uses 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100Mhz for 3G networks and B1, B3, B5, B7, B7, and B28 for 4G bands. If you unlock your phone by calling the carrier, the service representative maybe able to tell you if your phone meets this criteria.
Another reason to upgrade is that your phone no longer gets software updates from the manufacturer. iPhones get five to six years of support, but Android phones are limited to three years with the only exception being Samsung phones that get four years of updates.
Nonetheless, replacing your device every two years is still a good idea. Even if the phone functions well, the hardware and operating system are antiquated by the time the phone is two years old.