But since phones are not modular by nature, in reality, it is impossible to upgrade a 4G phone to support 5G.
If you've bought a new 5G smartphone, particularly one of the latest iPhone models, you might've noticed that it sometimes switches between 4G and 5G automatically. That's because iOS 16, by default, shifts between the networks based on different factors, such as your phone's needs and battery life.
Therefore, to conclude, we would like to reassure you by saying that you do not have to get a new SIM card to get 5G. The 4G SIM that we provide is more than capable of handling 5G and all your 5G related needs. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy 5G to the fullest.
Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.
Your 5G device will then automatically reconnect to the 5G network once you're back in a 5G area. All SIM cards are 5G-ready, which means you won't need a special SIM to get the most out of our growing 5G network. Our 5G network is growing fast - get a 5G phone and plan now to be first on 5G when it comes to your area.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options or Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. If you see this screen, your device is 5G capable.
If you see 4G, LTE, or 4G LTE, your phone is safe and will continue to work after the 3G networks are shut down.
4G phones still work on 4G LTE networks for now, but eventually they will become obsolete.
The growth of 5G networks doesn't mean 4G is going away. Mobile carriers will use existing 4G LTE networks to provide their customers' cell service well into the next decade. 5G networks will work with 4G — not outright replace it. The upshot is that 5G-capable cell phones will still use 4G technology.
The simple answer is yes. You don't need to buy a new 5G SIM card for a new 5G smartphone. You can easily use your old 4G SIM card on your latest 5G phone. If your SIM card works well with 4G/LTE networks, then it will also work with 5G whenever it goes live in your area.
5G up to 100 times faster than 4G
In the right conditions 5G download speeds can reach 10 gigabits per second. That's up to 100 times faster than 4G – and certainly the level of performance needed for an increasingly connected society.
The biggest difference between 4G and 5G is the speed. 5G has the potential to be up to 10 times faster, because the way 5G works means that it uses smaller wavelengths and much higher frequencies which can support far more simultaneous connections than 4G.
If you own an older cellphone with 3G, be aware that in 2022, some of your electronics will stop working because of a 5G upgrade. If you own an older cellphone with 3G or a Kindle, be aware that in 2022 some of your electronics will stop working because of a 5G upgrade.
Ensure your SIM card and phone are 4G-compatible
Though most modern phones are built with 4G (and 5G) chips, some entry-level devices feature only 3G networks to save cost. Even so, if you have an old SIM card that has not been upgraded to 4G, your phone won't so 4G.
Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
One fast and easy fix you can try if your iPhone or Android phone gets 5G, but it's just not getting 5G right now, is to toggle Airplane mode on and off again. Airplane mode disables all wireless communication on your device until you disable the mode again.
Assuming it's an Android phone, tap on Settings >> Network & internet >> Mobile Network >> Preferred Network type. You should see all the Mobile Network technologies supported such as 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. If 5G is listed, then your phone supports it.
Since the iPhone 11 series are limited to 4G, the current 5G compatible iPhones are only within the iPhone 12 series and the iPhone 13 series. To summarise, you'll never be able to use the 5G network on an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max.
Telstra 5G on mobile broadband
As with mobile plans, you'll need to be a Medium plan - valued at $55 per month - or better to get 5G connectivity on a Telstra mobile broadband plan. Customers on Telstra's small or extra small plan can only access 4G.
If you need faster speeds, live in an area with 5G coverage and use a phone service provider that runs on T-Mobile or Verizon towers, upgrading to a 5G phone could be worth it for you. Plus, as 5G continues to expand, coverage and download speeds will only improve.