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At the same time as expanding its 5G network, AT&T is also opening up its 5G+ network to more cities and locations. Here’s how they are different.
AT&T is expanding the availability of its 5G network, while also increasing the presence of its 5G+ network across the U.S. Over the last few years, 5G has become the mainstream cellular standard, with thousands of cities and towns in the country now having access. The speed of the rollout is not something that’s specific to the U.S., with a similarly inconsistent, but increasing, pattern taking place at the global 5G level. However, not all 5G versions are equal, and this not only applies to the differences between countries, cities, or even carriers, but in some cases, the difference between services offered by the same carrier.
On its website, AT&T confirms it now offers 5G in over 22,000 cities and towns across the U.S. At the same time, AT&T’s 5G+ network is also available across the country. AT&T’s 5G+ network is divided into two options – the 5G+ millimeter option is the fastest, but is deployed only in high-traffic areas. At the moment, it’s available in parts of over 50 cities and over 50 stadiums and venues. The 5G+ network mid-band spectrum offers faster speeds than regular 5G, but is still not as fast as the millimeter wave version. However, it’s more widely available.
The Differences Between AT&T’s 5G and 5G+
Generally speaking, AT&T touts both 5G and 5G+ services as being of equal benefit, although that’s not strictly true. When thinking in terms of the promise of 5G, many will be expecting 5G+ and not the standard 5G. Essentially, AT&T’s vanilla 5G service is what’s been rolling out ever since the company announced its first 5G location. It is 5G, but barely, as it relies solely on the use of low-band spectrum. This makes it less ideal for faster speeds, but also better at delivering a more reliable signal, and especially over distance. In other words, consumers should view AT&T’s 5G as an upgrade compared to current 4G LTE, but a limited upgrade.
In contrast, 5G+ is much closer to what people will expect from 5G, and the reason it is considered better is its use of millimeter wave. Unlike low-band spectrum, millimeter wave is capable of delivering significantly faster speeds to consumers. However, it is hampered by distance, and it also does not do so well with objects in the way. That said, with the right phone, consumers will be able to take advantage of both as the device will be able to bounce between low-band and millimeter wave, as and when needed. Although, that highlights the other issue with AT&T’s better network, as 5G+ is not as widely available as the company’s standard 5G network.
What Is AT&T’s 5GE Network?
If the differences between 5G and 5G+ weren’t confusing enough, AT&T also displays a 5GE symbol sometimes. For those wondering what this standard means, the answer is complicated. 5GE stands for 5G Evolution, but it’s not the same as 5G. AT&T used the term when it was still rolling out its 5G network, or “evolving” it from 4G to 5G. 5GE is basically another term for AT&T’s enhanced 4G LTE network, and it isn’t 5G, even though it uses the term.
It’s a misleading way of making users with 4G handsets believe they’re on 5G networks. While the enhanced 4G LTE does offer better speeds than standard 4G, it’s not as fast as 5G. AT&T stopped advertising 5GE on devices in 2020 after backlash from other carriers, but the indicator still pops up on devices. The important thing to remember is that 5GE is the same as 4G LTE, so for those seeing the icon on a 4G plan or device, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s 5G.
Source: AT&T
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