Tag: AT&T

J.D. Power Report Reveals 5G FWA Dominates in Customer Satisfaction

Recent findings from the J.D. Power report on residential internet service provider satisfaction have unveiled a significant trend: 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is leading the pack in customer satisfaction among various internet service types. With scores ranging from 775 to 825 on a 1,000-point scale, depending on the provider, 5G FWA outshines other technologies such as fiber, cable broadband, DSL, and fixed wireless based on 4G LTE.

5G FWA: A Game Changer in Customer Satisfaction

The report highlights that 5G FWA users exhibit the highest satisfaction levels across diverse residential landscapes, surpassing even traditional fiber optic services. The key factors driving this high satisfaction include the enhanced performance, reliability, and notably, the affordability of 5G FWA services.

Price and Performance: The Winning Combination

While fiber and cable broadband offer comparable performance and reliability, 5G FWA takes the lead in cost-of-service satisfaction by a significant margin of over 60 points. This affordability factor is becoming increasingly crucial for consumers amidst economic challenges, prompting more users to explore 5G FWA as a viable alternative.

Urban vs. Rural Dynamics

Geographical variations in customer satisfaction are evident, with urban areas boasting the highest satisfaction levels across all technologies. However, it’s noteworthy that 5G FWA consistently performs exceptionally well, even in suburban areas, indicating its versatility and adaptability across different residential settings.

Expanding Access and Choices

FWA based on 5G technology is not just reshaping customer preferences; it’s also expanding opportunities for wireless carriers to enter new territories. This expansion translates into more choices for consumers, driving competition and innovation in the internet service market.

Unlocking 5G FWA with 5Gstore.com

For those interested in experiencing the benefits of 5G FWA, 5Gstore.com offers access to this cutting-edge technology through the Verizon network. Start by visiting 5Gstore.com, and look at the 5G Unlimited Address Checker. This is how users can verify their address for compatibility with the service area and unlock the potential of high-speed, reliable internet powered by 5G FWA.

As the adoption of FWA continues to grow, companies like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are positioned to revolutionize the industry landscape with affordable, high-performance internet solutions. With customer satisfaction at the forefront, the shift towards 5G FWA signals a new era in residential internet services, where accessibility, affordability, and performance converge to meet evolving consumer demands.

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AT&T Investigates Massive Data Leak: 73 Million Customers Affected

AT&T is currently grappling with a massive data leak that has exposed the personal information of 73 million of its current and former customers. The breach, discovered approximately two weeks ago, has stirred concerns over the security of sensitive data and raised questions about the source and extent of the leak.

According to a news release issued by AT&T, the leaked data, which surfaced on the dark web, includes highly sensitive information such as customers’ Social Security numbers. However, the company has emphasized that the leak does not encompass financial data or specifics regarding call histories. The data appears to originate from 2019 or earlier, implying a potential vulnerability existing within AT&T’s systems or those of its vendors during that period.

AT&T has promptly launched an investigation into the breach to determine its source and ascertain whether it originated from their own infrastructure or that of one of their third-party vendors. The company, however, has stated that there is currently no evidence of unauthorized access to their systems resulting in the extraction of the leaked dataset.

The leak, which affects approximately 7.6 million current account holders and a staggering 65.4 million former account holders, underscores the magnitude of the incident and its potential repercussions for millions of individuals. In response, AT&T is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact on its customers. The telecommunications company has urged affected individuals to reset their account passcodes and remain vigilant about any suspicious activity on their accounts or credit reports.

Additionally, AT&T has pledged to offer credit monitoring services at its expense to affected customers where applicable, demonstrating its commitment to assisting those affected by the breach. The company’s swift response and transparency regarding the incident aim to reassure customers and address concerns about the security of their personal information.

News of the data leak first surfaced on March 17 when it was posted by an account named vx-underground. Despite initial skepticism from AT&T regarding the source of the leak, subsequent investigations have compelled the company to take the matter seriously and initiate measures to address the breach.

As the investigation unfolds, AT&T remains focused on securing its systems and safeguarding the privacy of its customers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by companies in protecting sensitive data in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Moving forward, robust cybersecurity measures and continuous vigilance will be paramount in preventing similar breaches and preserving customer trust.

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Widespread Cellular Outages and the Benefits of Failover

In a surprising turn of events, major cellular carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon experienced widespread outages across the United States on Thursday morning. The disruptions left thousands of customers without cellular service and internet connectivity, sparking concerns, especially regarding emergency services. Details sourced from NBC News reveal the extent of the outages and the subsequent responses from the affected companies.

AT&T Takes the Brunt of Outages

AT&T faced the most severe impact, with over 32,000 outages reported at around 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. The number skyrocketed to more than 71,000 just before 8 a.m. ET. Downdetector indicated that major cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta were the epicenters of the reported issues. The exact cause of the service disruption remains unclear.

T-Mobile and Verizon Experience Lesser Outages

While T-Mobile and Verizon also experienced outages, their scale appeared less widespread compared to AT&T. Around 1,100 T-Mobile outages and approximately 3,000 Verizon outages were reported as of 7 a.m. Thursday. Both companies addressed the situation promptly, assuring customers that their networks were operating normally, and the reported outages may have been a result of customers attempting to connect to other affected carriers.

Company Responses

AT&T acknowledged the issue Thursday morning, stating, “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning.” The company assured customers that they were working urgently to restore service and recommended the use of Wi-Fi calling until normal service was resumed. Similarly, Verizon clarified that the outages were not directly impacting their network but were affecting customers trying to reach other carriers experiencing issues. T-Mobile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their network was operational.

Emergency Concerns

One of the most alarming aspects of these outages is the potential impact on emergency services. Reports indicate that some customers, particularly those using AT&T, were unable to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to 911. The San Francisco Fire Department and various police departments across the country issued warnings, urging affected customers to seek alternative means to contact emergency services.

City Responses

Officials from various cities affected by the outages expressed concern and worked to mitigate the impact on emergency services. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens assured the public that Atlanta’s e-911 was operational, but acknowledged that AT&T customers were facing difficulties. Similar statements were issued by emergency management offices in Chicago, Virginia’s Prince William County, and North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The Importance of Failover

Problems like this make it apparent that having a backup in place is important. Network diversity via SD-WAN capable routers allow users to have more than one WAN connection available. While this is mainly used for failover purposes, it can also allow for smoother VoIP calls and video meetings, and faster uploads.

Unbreakable VPN and VoIP, faster speeds and smoother calls are possible via a feature typically known as Bonding or WAN Bonding, which combines multiple WAN connections together for one, more reliable connection. So whether you utilize more than one cellular connection, or one cellular and one wired connection (Cable, Satellite, DSL, etc), simple failover or Bonding may be what you need to keep your business running 24/7.

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Peplink BR1 Mini 5G Router

Peplink introduces its latest innovation, the BR1 Mini 5G router, designed to redefine the possibilities of high-speed internet access for various applications. This compact powerhouse, now in stock and certified by major carriers, including Verizon (C-BAND), AT&T, FirstNet, and T-Mobile, redefines the way you connect and manage your network.

High-Speed Connectivity

The Peplink BR1 Mini 5G router boasts a 5G modem capable of reaching speeds up to 3.4 Gbps down and 900 Mbps up, ensuring blazing-fast internet access. In instances where 5G is not available, the router seamlessly switches to its 4G LTE Cat 20 modem, supporting speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps down and 200 Mbps up. The inclusion of redundant SIM slots in nano 4FF size ensures uninterrupted connectivity.

Versatile Ports and Connectivity Options

Equipped with two dedicated 10/100/1000 LAN ports and a third port that can function as both LAN and WAN, the BR1 Mini 5G offers flexibility in network configurations. The WAN port supports throughput up to 300 Mbps, providing reliable and high-speed connectivity. The device also supports SpeedFusion features, allowing for two to five VPN connections at speeds up to 80 Mbps with encryption off and up to 60 Mbps with encryption on, provided with a valid PrimeCare plan. 

The package includes the BR1 Mini 5G router, four cellular antennas, and a 12V 2A 4-pin power supply. Additionally, the device can be powered over Ethernet or 10-30V DC via the 4-pin connector, providing flexibility in deployment options. Note that there is no WiFi or GPS support on this model. 

Compact and Flexible Design

Despite its powerful capabilities, the BR1 Mini 5G maintains the compact and lightweight design synonymous with the BR1 Mini series. Weighing just under one pound and measuring under five inches in size, it is an ideal solution for diverse applications, from fixed office locations to vehicles traversing the globe. Suitable for one to sixty users, the BR1 Mini 5G adapts seamlessly to various networking environments. 

Advanced Features for Enhanced Management

The router includes GPIO and ignition sensing features, catering to a range of applications. It can be used as a 5G adapter with an existing network or as a gateway/router to create a new network. With extensive compatibility with 5G/LTE bands, including native 5G NSA and SA mode support, the BR1 Mini 5G ensures optimal performance across different network scenarios.

Efficient Remote Management

Peplink’s InControl2, a cloud-based endpoint management system, allows users to remotely access the BR1 Mini 5G router’s web admin. This feature enables administrators to generate reports, push configurations, and effectively manage connected devices, such as sensors and cameras, utilizing Peplink’s InTouch technology at 5G speeds.

Ready to get your hands on a BR1 Mini 5G? Check them out now at 5Gstore.com! In the meantime, here’s a closer look in our unboxing video!

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AT&T Assists AST SpaceMobile’s Historic 5G Satellite Call

With the backing of AT&T, AST SpaceMobile, a cellular satellite enterprise, recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone. They established the very first 5G connection between an unaltered smartphone and a satellite orbiting in space.

The call took place on September 8th, 2023, over a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone. AST SpaceMobile originated the call from a wireless dead zone in Maui, Hawaii. Its recipient was situated in Madrid, Spain. The ingenious use of AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit test satellite, named BlueWalker 3 (BW3), in conjunction with AT&T’s 5G spectrum, ensured that the cellular signal reached its destination. The achievement was corroborated by Vodafone, Nokia, and AT&T.

Work on the project began back in April when SpaceMobile executed its inaugural space-based phone call on AT&T’s 2G network. Subsequently, it transmitted a 4G LTE signal from space, which was successfully received by a standard smartphone, boasting impressive download speeds of 10Mbps. AST SpaceMobile, however, has continued to enhance its capabilities, recently surpassing this download speed record with a remarkable rate of approximately 14Mbps in a separate test.

Abel Avellan, the CEO of AST SpaceMobile, expressed his enthusiasm for this technological breakthrough, emphasizing its transformative impact on access to information. He noted, “Once again, we have achieved a significant technological advancement that represents a paradigm shift in access to information. Since the launch of BW3, we have achieved full compatibility with phones made by all major manufacturers and support for 2G, 4G LTE, and now 5G.”

AST SpaceMobile will remain vigilant, striving to redefine the boundaries of space-based phone communications by harnessing the power of 5G speeds. The company has ambitious plans to launch five commercial BlueBird satellites in the first quarter of the upcoming year. Meanwhile, Apple introduced emergency texting via satellite with the iPhone 14, and T-Mobile is collaborating with SpaceX’s Starlink for satellite connectivity.

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iPhone 15 Pro Receives Boost in 5G Speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro, set to be released this week, will offer significant enhancements to its 5G performance. This is thanks to its new Qualcomm modem, according to data from SpeedSmart. This new iPhone model will utilize Qualcomm’s X70 modem, offering three key improvements: notably lower power consumption, improved 5G carrier aggregation capabilities, and better connectivity even when the iPhone is far from a cell tower.

Speed test results indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will deliver up to 24% faster 5G speeds compared to the previous iPhone 14 Pro models. Verizon users will experience the most substantial improvements, followed by T-Mobile and AT&T. These enhancements primarily manifest as boosted download speeds, although there are also minor improvements in upload speeds and ping times.

On average, all three major US networks saw significant gains in download speeds, with an impressive average of 255 Mbps over 5G. Verizon had the largest improvement at 24% faster, followed closely by T-Mobile at 22% faster, with an average download speed of 300 Mbps nationwide. AT&T experienced a 14.6% increase in average download speed. These findings highlight the iPhone 15 Pro’s impressive 5G performance across the country.

While Qualcomm’s X70 modem is also used in flagship Android smartphones, Apple is actively working on developing its own in-house 5G modems, which are expected to be several years away. Qualcomm recently announced that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems for iPhones at least through 2026.

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Enhancing Public Safety Response with Cellular Routers

Reliable communication is paramount for public safety agencies to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of communities. To meet these critical demands, specialized sections of cellular networks have been established exclusively for public safety use. Companies like AT&T with FirstNet, Verizon and its Frontline service, and T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program have pioneered this innovation, offering dedicated networks that empower first responders with seamless, prioritized, and resilient communication capabilities.

The Need for Dedicated Networks

Traditional cellular networks are designed to handle a multitude of users engaging in various activities, such as browsing the internet, streaming videos, and sending emails. However, during emergencies or large-scale events, the surge in network traffic can overload these systems, compromising communication channels for first responders and emergency personnel. Dedicated networks for public safety address this challenge by creating a separate, prioritized infrastructure that ensures consistent access to communication resources, even in the most demanding situations.

AT&T FirstNet: A Game-Changer in Public Safety

Launched by AT&T in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), FirstNet is a dedicated cellular network designed exclusively for first responders. With its separate spectrum and specialized infrastructure, FirstNet ensures that public safety agencies have the bandwidth they need when it matters most. This means that firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel can communicate and coordinate effectively without facing network congestion.

One of the key features of FirstNet is its priority and preemption capabilities. During emergencies, FirstNet users are given top priority, ensuring that their communication takes precedence over regular network traffic. This ensures that critical information reaches first responders promptly, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to evolving situations.

Verizon Frontline: Elevating Public Safety Communications

Verizon Frontline is another exemplary initiative that caters to the unique communication needs of public safety agencies. By leveraging Verizon’s advanced network infrastructure, Frontline offers first responders reliable connectivity and dedicated network resources. This empowers them to share real-time data, videos, and other critical information without the risk of disruption.

Frontline’s emphasis on network resilience is particularly noteworthy. The network incorporates redundancy and backup solutions, ensuring that communication remains intact even in the face of network outages or congestion. This level of reliability is essential for public safety agencies operating in high-pressure scenarios where seamless communication can be a matter of life and death.

T-Mobile Connecting Heroes: Bridging the Gap

T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program is yet another testament to the commitment of cellular providers to support public safety efforts. Through this initiative, T-Mobile offers first responders and their agencies access to its powerful 5G network, enabling high-speed data transfer, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. This is crucial for tasks such as remote medical consultations, live video feeds from the field, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to reliable connectivity, Connecting Heroes also provides cost-saving benefits. Public safety agencies can access T-Mobile’s network at discounted rates, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other critical aspects of their operations.

Benefits of Using a Cellular Router for Public Safety

In the realm of public safety, effective communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and responding swiftly to emergencies. While traditional methods, such as public safety approved cell phones and tablets, have served as communication tools for first responders, the adoption of dedicated cellular routers brings a new dimension of advantages that significantly elevate their capabilities.

The enhanced coverage and extended range provided by cellular routers are particularly valuable in challenging public safety scenarios. Whether in remote locations, disaster sites, or densely populated urban areas, these routers, equipped with high-gain antennas and advanced signal optimization technology, deliver superior connectivity compared to standard public safety approved cell phones and tablets.

Security is paramount in public safety communication, and cellular routers excel in this aspect. With support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and advanced encryption protocols, these routers offer an added layer of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the network. This heightened security ensures the confidentiality of communications among first responders, safeguarding critical information from unauthorized access.

Centralized management capabilities streamline the deployment and maintenance of cellular routers. IT administrators can efficiently monitor and configure multiple devices from a single interface, simplifying updates and reducing the administrative burden on public safety agencies.

Reliability is further reinforced through backup and redundancy mechanisms integrated into cellular routers. These mechanisms automatically switch between different networks, such as cellular and Wi-Fi, in the event of network outages, ensuring continuous connectivity for first responders even in challenging situations.

Durable and rugged design is another hallmark of cellular routers, making them well-suited for the harsh conditions often encountered in public safety operations. Extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and physical impacts pose no hindrance to the seamless operation of these routers, contributing to their reliability in demanding environments.

Public Safety Approved Devices 

Looking for a solution to use for your public safety needs? Check out the following supported devices from our vendors, and be sure to reach out to the 5Gstore team with any questions! 

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Exploring Fixed Wireless Access Internet Service 

In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a game-changing solution, providing reliable internet connectivity to homes and businesses. FWA is offered by major telecom giants such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, allowing customers to enjoy high-speed internet without traditional wired connections. While FWA presents an exciting opportunity, it’s important to note that its availability is currently limited to select areas.

What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband internet service that delivers high-speed connectivity using wireless technology, eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure. FWA operates by establishing a wireless connection between a customer’s location and a nearby cell tower. This technology allows users to access the internet from a fixed location, whether it’s a residential home or a business establishment.

Limited Availability and Slot Constraints

At present, Fixed Wireless Access is only available in specific geographic areas where the telecom companies have deployed the necessary infrastructure. Unlike traditional wired broadband, FWA service coverage is dependent on the proximity of a cell tower. Due to this limitation, not all regions have access to FWA, making it essential for potential customers to check whether their area is eligible for this service.

Moreover, FWA service has a unique constraint that sets it apart from traditional internet offerings: the number of available slots per cell tower. Telecom companies cannot oversell FWA connections beyond the capacity of a given tower. This ensures that users connected to the tower can experience more consistent and reliable speeds without experiencing significant slowdowns during peak usage times.

Fixed Location Verification

Unlike mobile broadband, Fixed Wireless Access requires users to have a verified fixed location. This means that customers cannot use FWA for on-the-go connectivity like they would with mobile data plans. The verification process is crucial for maintaining network stability and ensuring that the service is provided to the intended location.

Variable Speeds Depend on Time of Day and Signal Quality

Even with limited access, the speed of Fixed Wireless Access connections can vary based on factors such as time of day and signal quality. During peak usage hours, such as evenings when many users are online, the network may experience increased congestion, leading to potential slowdowns in internet speed. Additionally, the quality of the signal between the customer’s location and the cell tower can impact the overall speed and stability of the connection. Using an external antenna can typically help in cases where the signal and/or signal quality may be too weak inside. 

FWA Highlights

FWA has many benefits for home and business owners. If you have availability in your area, it’s best to take advantage of the service ASAP before all slots are taken. If you’re on the fence about it, take into consideration the following highlights that showcase FWA’s potential:

  • Rural and Underserved Areas: FWA has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas where laying traditional wired infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or logistically challenging. This can empower rural communities with improved educational, economic, and social opportunities.
  • Quick Deployment: FWA offers a faster deployment timeline compared to laying physical cables. This agility is particularly valuable in disaster-stricken areas where rapid connectivity is crucial for emergency response, relief efforts, and communication restoration.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: For both service providers and customers, FWA can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional wired broadband solutions. It eliminates the need for extensive underground cabling and associated infrastructure costs.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The absence of extensive physical infrastructure reduces the environmental impact associated with laying cables and digging trenches, contributing to a more sustainable approach to connectivity expansion.
  • Business Connectivity: FWA offers a reliable and high-speed internet option for small businesses and startups, enabling them to establish and maintain their online presence without the limitations of traditional wired connections.
  • Future-Proofing: As technology advances, FWA networks can be upgraded with minimal disruption, ensuring that users can benefit from evolving connectivity standards without major infrastructure overhauls.
  • Complementary Technology: FWA can complement existing wired and mobile networks, providing an additional layer of redundancy and network resilience, especially in areas prone to service disruptions.

Paving the Way for the Future of Fixed Connectivity

Fixed Wireless Access offered by telecom giants like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T represents a promising advancement in internet connectivity technology. By eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure, FWA brings the convenience of high-speed internet to more homes and businesses. However, its current limited availability and dependence on cell tower capacity mean that FWA is not yet accessible to everyone. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that FWA services will expand to cover more areas and improve the overall online experience for users in the future.

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Will US Wireless Carriers’ Voluntary Commitments Address Aviation Safety Concerns for 5G Use?

Four major US wireless carriers have recently made voluntary commitments to address aviation safety concerns and allow full use of the C-Band wireless spectrum for 5G use. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile US, and UScellular submitted a letter to the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) outlining their voluntary commitments to support full-power deployments across C-Band while minimizing the operational impact on their C-Band operations.

The FAA had previously expressed concerns that 5G service could interfere with airplane altimeters, which provide critical data on a plane’s height above the ground and are essential for safe landing during bad weather. This had led to brief disruptions at some US airports last year, prompting the voluntary commitments by the wireless carriers.

Verizon and AT&T had already agreed to delay some C-Band 5G usage until July last year, while T-Mobile and UScellular had not begun deployment at the time of the agreement. The latest voluntary commitments are seen as a major step forward and will allow carriers to increase power levels to get to full C-Band use.

The voluntary commitments made by the wireless carriers could last until 2028, according to sources briefed on the matter. The FAA had initially sought to extend some through up to 2033. The FCC has not yet commented on the matter, while the FAA said it continues to work closely to ensure a safe co-existence in the US 5G C-band environment.

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What Do 5G Symbols Mean on My Phone

In the past, we’ve discussed the technical factors surrounding 5G, such as frequency bands and the airwaves at which 5G operates (low, mid, and high). But what about the different terminology used by cellular providers and those 5G icons on your phone that indicate your cell phone’s signal strength? If you’ve wondered what those 5G, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Ultra Capacity, 5G Plus, and 5G C-Band symbols mean on your phone, you’re not alone. This is often a lot of confusion surrounding these 5G symbols. 5Gstore is here to explain exactly what they mean. Read on — this article will discuss the meaning behind 5G, 5GUW/UWB, 5GUC, and 5G C-Band symbols.

What is 5G?

When you hear 5G, you may think of the hype that surrounded its rollout in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Today, about 90% of America’s population has 5G available. Even if you’re in the 10% of the country that doesn’t yet offer 5G in your location, your smartphone is likely 5G-compatible and you have experienced 5G speeds in some capacity at a certain point.

The 5G signal strength is what providers like to call “5G Nationwide.” 5G is currently the most widely available service in America. Theoretically, 5G has the potential for 10 Gbps speeds; in reality 5G alone is similar to 4G LTE speeds. 5G service may provide you with enough speed to watch a high definition or 4K video; however, it may not be fast enough to handle multiple streams at the same time. 

What is 5G Ultra Wideband?

This is where 5G Ultra Wideband comes in. As Verizon’s highest-performing 5G, 5G Ultra Wideband (5G UW) can be up to 10x faster than 4G LTE. This makes it capable of handling multiple audio or video streams simultaneously. T-Mobile® and AT&T have similar 5G networks. T-Mobile calls this signal “Ultra Capacity,” or “5G UC.” AT&T calls it “5G Plus.”

What is C-Band?

You may also encounter “C-Band,” which is part of Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network. C-Band simply operates in a different section of 5G and is one of the newest types of 5G. It can be extremely fast and can support large amounts of data. C-Band is currently not widely available due to its limited range. 

5G Symbols

So what does that 5G symbol on your phone mean? 5G devices will display specific 5G icons connected to 5G Nationwide. These devices include those connected to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks:

  • T-Mobile: T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity network may display a “5G UC” symbol. A 5G icon without the “UC” indicates that you’re connected to a slower 5G network. This is what T-Mobile refers to as “Extended Range.” 
  • Verizon: Verizon will show 5G UW (or 5G UWB) when connected to 5G Ultra Wideband. C-Band does not have its own indicator, so it falls under 5G UW for Verizon (or 5G+ for AT&T). 
  • AT&T: AT&T icons may display “5GE,” which is actually 4G LTE. AT&T simply got creative with their advertising in 2020 and came out with “5G Evolution.” 5G Evolution is supposed to be faster than traditional LTE, but its speeds are not quite as fast as you might expect from 5G. Unfortunately, it still appears on some phones. 

What to Look For on Your Phone

Note that not all phones are alike. For that reason, how they display their network details might differ slightly. Take a look below at some common examples. 

5G: This is simply 5G service. This 5G icon applies to all providers.

5GE: 5G Evolution is 4G LTE on the AT&T network.

5G+: 5G Plus is AT&T’s faster 5G service, and includes C-Band.

5G UW/ UWB: 5G Ultra Wideband is Verizon’s fastest 5G service.

5G UC: 5G Ultra Capacity is T-Mobile’s fastest 5G service available.

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