Skip to footer Log in What is 5G? Get to know the new era of connectivity. 5G is the next generation of wireless network technology. Discover how 5G works and how our advanced network it’s transforming everyday experiences and connecting our lives in groundbreaking ways. 5G vs. 4G What’s the difference between 5G and 4G LTE? 5G continues the evolution of wireless after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. With 5G, high amounts of data can be transmitted more efficiently than 4G LTE. That means superior speeds to download movies and shows or video chat on the go, support for more connected devices to get a faster signal at large events, and low latency for quick responsiveness during data-demanding activities, like cloud gaming. Check out 5G FAQs 5G coverage not available in some areas; capable device required. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details. See full terms How does our 5G network work? 5G networks can be built in different ways from multiple bands of wavelength spectrum—low-band, mid-band, and high-band. In order to provide reliable coverage and speed, our network utilizes all three. Extended Range 5G Broad nationwide coverage. Extended Range 5G includes our most powerful low-band 600MHz spectrum and reaches far and wide for nationwide coverage. These frequencies deliver speeds faster than 4G LTE—over hundreds of square miles—and can pass through buildings to provide better coverage both indoors and out. There’s no better signal for coverage than Extended Range 5G. Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details. Ultra Capacity 5G Performance-boost coverage. Ultra Capacity 5G is comprised of both mid-band and high-band (mmWave) spectrum, which together deliver a speed and capacity boost on top of our nationwide Extended Range 5G coverage. With greater bandwidth to carry large amounts of data at speeds as fast as Wi-Fi, Ultra Capacity 5G provides a fast and reliable connection in populated areas and at big events, covering over 200 million people and counting. Based on analysis by T-Mobile of Speedtest Intelligence® data from Ookla® U.S. median 5G T-Mobile results compared to mobile Wi-Fi results from cities with 2.5GHz speeds for Q2 2021. 2.5GHz available only in select cities (see t-mobile.com/5GLayers). Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. 5G built for coverage and speed. T-Mobile is America’s largest, fastest, and according to umlaut, most reliable 5G network. Independent experts agree, we’re the leader in 5G coverage and speed. We built a 5G network using dedicated 5G frequencies, and other carriers can’t match our nationwide coverage. Plus, with our Ultra Capacity 5G, we’re amping up performance—bringing faster 5G speeds to more places across the country. Find out more Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Most reliable according to umlaut. Fastest based on average, overall combined 5G speeds according to Opensignal Awards—USA: 5G User Experience Report July 2021 and based on median, overall combined 5G speeds according to analysis by Ookla® Global Index Report for Q2 2021. Some uses may require certain plan or feature. See plan for details. See full terms 5G is making an impact—for all. Check out how 5G technology is benefiting our communities. Check out more 5G news The first 5G-enabled drone on our 5G network. Together with the Drone Racing League, we launched a drone that live streams in high definition—bringing sports fans closer to the action than ever before. Find out more An immersive 5G‑powered VR cadaver lab. Fisk University pre-med students are virtually exploring the structures of human cadavers all while benefiting from in-person learning. Find out more Our 5G network will help make driverless cars a reality. Halo will harness the power of our 5G network to provide transportation solutions to Las Vegas with their fleet of all-electric, driverless cars. Find out more Unmatched access to our network for first responders. With Connecting Heroes, we give first responders free service and 5G access, plus preemption and priority access—so critical communications go through first. Find out more For state & local fire, police, and EMS agencies' first responder lines; eligibility verified. Video streaming resolution varies by plan; 480p with Free & Select plans. Coverage not available in some areas and may be impacted by emergencies; check your response area.See full terms Virtual Honor Flights for our small-town veterans. We partnered with Healium to transport rural veterans to Washington D.C. war memorials with the power of VR and our 5G network. Find out more Expanding access to small towns across America. We’re investing billions to expand our 5G network across the U.S.—ensuring rural Americans have broad access to 5G-powered technology. Find out more Discover more about 5G. Check 5G coverage in your area. See coverage map Now’s the time to upgrade to a 5G phone. Find out more Got questions? What's the difference between 5G and 4G LTE? Will 5G work on 4G phones? How do I know if I have 5G available in my area? Will 5G work in rural areas? Can a 5G hotspot replace Wi-Fi or home internet? Will 5G replace 4G? Why is 5G so important? What does 5G stand for? 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