Verizon’s 5G network is growing this month. Promises of faster speeds and wider coverage for phones, tablets and other devices on its service have been announced. The 5G upgrade is scheduled for Jan. 19. In efforts to catch up with T-Mobile in coverage, the carrier is going to be reaching 100 million people this month.
Of course, with the changes, you’ll need the right phone to take advantage of the benefits. Per Verizon’s chief technology officer, Kyle Malady, “Upwards of 90%” of Verizon’s 5G users are expected to be able to tap into the new connection,” he said in an interview with CNET.
“A lot of devices already have the right software in them,” Malady said. “We’ve been testing the devices, and we’ve been working with the manufacturers for a long time now so all the software is ready to go.”
Phone and iPads that will work with Verizon’s new 5G network
- Apple’s iPhone 12 line (running iOS 15.2)
- Apple’s iPhone 13 line (running iOS 15.2)
- Samsung’s Galaxy S21 line
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Apple iPads with 5G (the iPad Pro and iPad Mini, running iPadOS 15.2)
Verizon’s current 5G network relies on a combination of 5G technologies known as millimeter-wave and low-band spectrum. With the addition of this new coverage using C-band spectrum, Verizon will be able to add a 5G network that operates in the middle, bringing much faster performance than low-band 5G while offering significantly better coverage than millimeter-wave.
A Verizon spokesperson says that other phones, such as Google’s Pixel 6 line, will “receive software updates to enable C-band access in the coming weeks.” The spokesperson adds that “going forward every 5G device Verizon sells to postpaid customers will be C-band compatible and we will have more than 20 C-band-compatible devices by the end of the year.”
It’s important to note that even with the right device, you must have the proper data plan. Verizon requires that those planning to use C-band or its millimeter-wave network subscribe to its higher-priced unlimited plans. This includes the Play More, Do More and Get More options available today as well as the older Above and Beyond unlimited plans the carrier offered a few years ago.