The T-Mobile 5G network launched in 2019, and since then, the “non-carrier” has become one of the leaders in providing high-speed wireless connectivity to its customers. As of 2024, its overall network infrastructure is claimed to cover over 330 million users across 2 million square miles of the United States. This primarily involves “extended range” 5G networks that utilize the n71 band (600MHz). That being said, T-Mobile offers “Ultra We continue to expand our 5GUC network. .
T-Mobile’s significant lead in coverage (compared to rivals like Verizon and AT&T) and ability to continue to improve puts it in a strong position to maintain its 5G leadership for many years to come. Whether you’re an existing T-Mobile user, planning to switch soon, or simply want to learn more about the capabilities and availability of T-Mobile’s 5G network, you’ve come to the right place.
Check coverage
Does T-Mobile offer 5G service?
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Most customers with T-Mobile 5G coverage are over the lower range n71 band, which uses the 600MHz spectrum. T-Mobile calls this its “Extended Range 5G” network, and it’s repurposed from broadcast TV. Extended Range 5G will allow T-Mobile to upgrade existing towers with his 5G equipment and provide users with the same level of coverage that he has previously expected from his 3G and his 4G networks. I did.
T-Mobile says it covers more than 330 million people across all its networks combined. It also claims to cover 300 million users through its Ultra Capacity 5G network, which utilizes multiple bands across different frequencies to deliver extremely fast network speeds. As the Ultra Capacity 5G network continues to grow, many of T-Mobile’s customers are starting to see significant speed improvements. Also, at the end of 2023, T-Mobile announced that it will upgrade its network to his 5G standalone. This means there is no need to connect your phone to his LTE network before connecting to 5G.
The network could also use carrier aggregation in some areas to further improve performance. Carrier aggregation uses multiple bands simultaneously to create faster connections than possible with a single band.
The best way to know if you are eligible for coverage is to T-Mobile Coverage Map. T-Mobile also shows you where Ultra Capacity 5G is available on a map, so you can get a good idea of what speeds are available.
phone compatibility
Will my phone work with T-Mobile 5G?
For the most part, all of the best Android smartphones run on T-Mobile’s 5G. T-Mobile’s 5G network is growing and many new 5G-enabled smartphones are being launched, so you’ll have no trouble finding a device that fits your requirements and budget.
To ensure you get the best results from T-Mobile’s 5G network, make sure your new smartphone supports both the n71 and n41 bands. Most of the latest 5G smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, fully support the network. If you prefer, you can also choose from affordable options like the OnePlus Nord N300 5G.
T-Mobile is using the 2.5GHz spectrum it acquired from Sprint to power its own 5G network, which is why it shut down Sprint’s 5G network.
Older devices such as the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G and OnePlus 7T Pro 5G will not receive updates to support T-Mobile 5G. That said, users who continue on their Sprint plan with a new T-Mobile compatible smartphone will be able to take advantage of 5G access.
Which plans offer 5G?
Does my T-Mobile plan come with 5G access?
All T-Mobile plans come with 5G access, which is great since some of the best cell phone plans use the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile doesn’t differentiate between its networks, so any customer with a compatible phone should be able to access it.
It is worth noting that in congested areas, customers with premium data on the T-Mobile Magenta plan will be given priority. This applies not only to T-Mobile Prepaid, but also to the MVNOs that use its network, such as Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Google Fi. T-Mobile has also enabled 5G on all Sprint plans.
Boost Mobile, formerly owned by Sprint, is now owned by Dish Wireless and is gradually moving customers to the new T-Mobile network, with the goal of eventually moving all customers to its own standalone 5G network. I am.
Technology used
What technology does T-Mobile use for 5G?
5G comes in several different forms, with different outcomes depending on the resources carriers are able to commit. T-Mobile started with high-band 5G in the 28 GHz and 32 GHz bands.
Given time for this network to mature, T-Mobile should be able to match what Verizon and AT&T are doing. Although this high-band deployment should be able to deliver very fast speeds, building penetration and coverage will be much more limited than the 4G networks we are used to.
T-Mobile launched its 600MHz low-band “Extended Range 5G” network in December 2019. Using new equipment, a carrier can now update his 4G LTE service on the same tower. AT&T and Verizon are also rolling out low-band 5G networks with similar coverage capabilities.
Of course, there’s also Sprint’s 2.5GHz spectrum. T-Mobile owns more than 160MHz of spectrum at 2.5GHz in the top 100 US markets and is already using Sprint’s 5G network to build “ultra-capacity 5G” built on the same spectrum. It’s shutting down. T-Mobile expands its use of band N41 (one of the bands used for 5GUC) through carrier aggregation, using its two chunks of 2.5 GHz spectrum to deliver even faster 5G access doing.
On August 4, 2020, T-Mobile launched its standalone 5G (5G SA) network. 5G SA works on its own without the need for devices to first connect to older and less efficient LTE networks. Previously, 5G phones required this existing infrastructure to work properly.
Functionally, this is essentially the same network as before, but with some nice improvements. T-Mobile says 5G SA will improve coverage by 30% by eliminating the need for phones to connect to a mid-band LTE signal at 600MHz, which doesn’t reach as much as 5G.
While non-standalone 5G still saw many improvements in speed compared to LTE, 5G networks were held back. T-Mobile estimates that this switch will improve latency by 40%, helping speed up data access.
much more affordable option
What is Connect by T-Mobile?
Connect by T-Mobile is a low-cost phone plan that gives you access to 5G networks. Plans start at $10 per month with 1,000 minutes of talk time, 1,000 text messages, and 1 GB of data.
There’s also a $25/month plan with 6.5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text. Interestingly, this plan will grow with your usage by increasing your data allowance by 500 MB per year until March 2025. Video streaming is also available, although it is limited to SD quality. This isn’t a huge amount, but it can be a lifesaver for low-income households.
For more information about these plans, please visit the following website: T-Mobile Prepaid.
Is 5G worth it?
Is T-Mobile 5G worth it?
T-Mobile currently doesn’t have plan separation, so it’s up to you to decide if you actually need the phone. Most of the new phones you can buy for T-Mobile support his 5G, so most new T-Mobile customers and existing customer upgrades will use the network. If you’re looking for a good reason to upgrade your phone, 5G will greatly increase speeds in many places.
4G LTE will continue to be fast enough for many people for years to come, so if you’re happy with your speeds, there’s no need to rush. Most of T-Mobile’s new phones, even the cheaper ones, are compatible with 5G, so when you’re ready to upgrade, 5G will be waiting for your switch.
