5G is the 5th Generation of the mobile network, the successor to the 4G network. It provides a higher data speed than that of the 4G. However, the data speed you get does depend on what band of 5G you are using. Yes, you understood it correctly. There are different bands of 5G, which provide different speeds. The network carriers have given these bands their abbreviations, and you can see these abbreviations next to the 5G logo on your mobile phone.
Let’s dive into the article to get insights into the different bands of 5G. Here we will look into the difference between 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW, and 5G UC.
Also read: What is LTE? How is it different from 4G and 5G?
Different bands of 5G
The 5G band can be divided into three categories: Low, Mid, and High. Let’s understand each of them.
| Specifications | Low band 5G | Mid band 5G | High band 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 30 – 250 Mbps | 100 – 900 Mbps | 1 – 3 Gbps |
| Distance covered | Hundred squares of miles | Few miles | One mile or even less |
| Spectrum | Less than 1 GHz | 1 to 6 GHz | 24 to 40 GHz |
Low-band 5G
The speed of the 5G low-band is not that faster as compared to the 4G LTE. Thus, it can be said that there isn’t much of a difference between the speed the 4G LTE provides and the speed that low-band 5G offers. Generally, the Low band 5G network provides 30 to 250 Mbps speed covering a hundred squares of miles.
However, the low-band 5G has a widespread signal reach. It covers large areas and works fine indoors too.
Mid-band 5G
The data speed that mind-band 5G offers is faster than the low-band 5G offers. It provides 100 to 900 Mbps of data speed. However, it does not have the widespread signal reach that the low-band 5G provides, and hence, it covers only a few miles.
High-band 5G
The High-band 5G provides you with the highest data speed, from 1 to 3 Gbps. However, everything, even the best thing, has a limitation or rather a say some drawback. This drawback only gives us the chance to improve more. And the restriction with high-band 5G is that the signal it provides is minimal. It cannot cover large distances or obstacles such as buildings, glass, etc.
5G vs 5G Plus vs 5G UW vs 5G UC
Now that we have understood the different bands of the 5G network. It’s time to look at what is 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW, and 5G UC and understand the difference between them.
| Specifications | 5G | 5G Plus | 5G UW | 5G UC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Band | Low band spectrum. | Mid (3.45 GHz) and High band spectrum. | Mid and High band spectrum. | Mid band (2.5 GHz) and High band spectrum. |
| Description | It is not as fast as compared to 4G LTE. | Provides responsive connection and faster speed. Later this year, AT&T will roll out C-Bands too. | Sometimes, it is hard to get the signal in some specific areas. | Due to the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, T-Mobile’s 5G networks are up and running in a lot of areas. |
| Company | AT&T | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile |
5G
If your network only shows the 5G logo, you are probably on the carrier’s low-band 5G network. AT&T uses this 5G logo to refer to their low-band network, which means your network speed will not be too fast compared to the 4G LTE.
5G Plus
The 5G Plus logo on your screen means you are connected to AT&T’s high-band or mid-band network. It provides you with faster speed and a responsive connection.
AT&T is planning to expand its C-band later this year and roll out the 3.45 GHz range using only one single tower climb.
5G UW
The UW in 5G UW stands for Ultra-Wideband. The 5G UW has both the high-band and mid-band 5G provided by Verizon.
Earlier, Verizon only provided the high-band signals. However, it was hard to get the network signal in some specific areas. Later, in 2022, Verizon started supporting the mid-band 5G too and put it under the same Ultra Wideband category.
In most cases, whenever you see the UW icon on your phone, you are on the mid-band 5G network. However, the speed difference will be noticeable if you are on a high-band 5G network.
5G UC
The UC in 5G UC stands for Ultra Capacity. The 5G UC consists of both mid-band and high-band 5G networks provided by the T-Mobile.
The majority of the network compromises a 2.5GHz mid-band spectrum. As compared to Verizon or AT&Ts, the T-mobile has a good head start in terms of having an up and running 5G network.
Also read: What is 5G? What does the future of mobile internet look like?
