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.
The plan is for existing 4G LTE networks to be used by carriers well into 2030. 5G networks are not being designed to replace 4G, rather they are designed to work in conjunction with 4G networks.
Will 5G work on existing devices built for 3G or 4G? No. New devices will be required. This includes mobile phones and other cellular devices, such as tablets and smart watches.
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.
Is it OK to buy a 4G phone in 2023? 4G phones still work on 4G LTE networks for now, but eventually they will become obsolete. Consider how long you plan to keep your phone; if you plan to keep your phone for longer than a year or so, it might be a good idea to get a phone that is 5G compatible.
While spending more money on a 5G phone or a 5G variant of the same device may seem like a good, future-proof idea, it will not be worth it if you don't have the coverage and budget for 5G plans. Note that while 5G data plans may be priced equal to 4G in the beginning, they can quickly climb up for the faster service.
Will a 5G device work with my current sim? Yes, your 5G device will be able to use a 4G sim to receive 4G/3G/2G coverage whenever it needs to. But if you want to use our 5G network, you'll need to swap to a 5G sim. Will 5G use up my data allowance quicker than 4G?
Now we can revisit the earlier question: Do you need a new sim card to access the 5G network? The short answer is no, you do not need a new sim card to upgrade to 5G if your current sim card is working on 4G.
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.
No, not at all. 4G will be around for years to come as we have seen with 3G. Mobile service operators still — albeit in very few areas — offer 3G services. So 5G will not mean the end of 4G.
5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.
If you don't have a 5G phone, that's fine. You can still access super-fast and extensive 4G coverage on the Telstra network until you're ready for a new 5G device. The 3G network will be decommissioned in 2024.
4G Sites (Base Stations)
Optus has approximately 6414 4G base stations in Australia. Telstra has approximately 5962 4G base stations in Australia. Vodafone has approximately 4750 4G base stations in Australia. the NBN has approximately 1920 4G base stations in Australia.
If you currently have a 4G phone and are wondering whether it's worth getting a new phone just for 5G — you're probably better off not upgrading. Assuming your phone works well, you may not find a noticeable performance increase after switching to a 5G phone.
4G provides up to 3x faster data speeds depending on the amount of people using it (congestion) and location (coverage). To enjoy 4G you'll need: a 4G SIM. a 4G device (If unsure please check your user manual)
Do I need to change my SIM card from 4G to 5G? No, 4G SIM cards are forward compatible with 5G networks. You can use 5G services with your existing 4G SIM. That said, if your mobile carrier requests you to get a 5G SIM, you should switch to a new SIM as it will improve speed and indoor coverage.
Yes, you don't need a new SIM to use 5G. Since you have a 5G-enabled device and live in a 5G-covered area, your current 4G SIM card should work flawlessly with the new network. Just turn on 5G on your phone, and you're good to go.
5G is designed to connect many more types of devices than smartphones – anything really. While 4G provided a one-size-fits-all kind of connectivity, where every device got the same service, 5G is different. For a smart watch that runs on a small battery, 5G can provide a connection that consumes very little energy.
If your carrier doesn't support 5G roaming, you can get cellular data through 4G or LTE networks or obtain a local SIM card or eSIM with 5G where available.
Although 5G mmWave is super fast its wavelengths have short and weak penetration through physical objects such as walls, doors, trees, etc. which means a larger deployment of towers need to provide accurate positioning.
The customer availing 5G services will have to pay as per their existing 4G plan, it said.
Eventually, in an estimated 15 to 20 years when there are few 4G LTE devices in use, most if not all of the spectrum will be used for 5G.
"As a result, many older cellphones will be unable to make or receive calls and texts, including calls to 911, or use data services. This will affect 3G mobile phones and certain older 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice)," the FCC said.