If you’re looking for a new phone or plan, you’ll come across terms like 5G UW, 5G UC, and 5G+—which are all fifth-generation (5G) networks that provide faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage than previous generations.
In short, the terms refer to each carrier’s upgraded 5G network:
- Verizon: Ultra Wideband (5G UW)
- T-Mobile: Ultra Capacity (5G UC)
- AT&T: 5G Plus (5G+)
These network upgrades have enhanced speeds and coverage by leveraging different frequency bands and those higher frequency bands have significantly boosted speeds in urban areas and crowded stadiums. The expansion of mid-band spectrum ensures widespread access to 5G and 4G LTE networks, while improvements in low-band spectrums have enhanced coverage in suburban and rural regions.
We’ll go over everything you need to know about 5G and the differences in each network’s speeds and coverage.
What is 5G?
5G, or the fifth generation of mobile technology, makes so many of our modern amenities possible. To understand 5G, it helps to see how each generation has expanded mobile network uses and speeds. Since the 1980s, we’ve gone from basic voice calls to texting, internet, HD video streaming. The latest breakthrough is 5G, which provides ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and safe connectivity for smart devices across the board.
| Generation | Era | Speed | Primary uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1G | 1980s | Up to 2.4Kbps | Analog voice services; basic voice calls |
| 2G | 1990s | Up to 64Kbps | Digital voice services, SMS (text messaging) |
| 3G | 2000s | Up to 2Mbps | Mobile internet, web browsing, email, basic video streaming |
| 4G/LTE | 2010s | Up to 100Mbps | HD video streaming, online gaming, high-quality video calls |
| 5G | 2020s | Up to 20Gbps | Enhanced mobile broadband, IoT, autonomous vehicles, smart cities |
How fast is 5G?
Current 5G speeds can reach up to 20Gbps, far surpassing 4G LTE’s 100Mbps limits. With 5G, you can download large files in seconds, seamlessly stream 4K videos, and connect smart devices with minimal lag.
With this generation of network technology, a handful of innovations have addressed different issues to provide faster, more reliable performance:
- Millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum: High-frequency bands that provide super-fast speeds.(The downside? The service covers limited areas and requires significant infrastructure.)
- Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO): Uses more antennas, which leads to better coverage and capacity.
- Beamforming: Targets signals directly, providings faster, clearer connections.
- Network slicing: Customizes networks for specific uses, like gaming or streaming.
- Edge computing: Reduces lag by processing data closer to its users.
Average speeds vary widely depending on the frequency band used, which often depends on your location.
Want to learn more? Check out our comparison of 5G speeds in our breakdown of T-Mobile vs. Verizon vs. AT&T.
6G is already in the works
As the name implies, 6G will be the sixth generation of modern wireless technology that focuses on faster speeds and more data transmission. It’s likely that 6G will top 5G's short-range airwave speed.
Currently, 5G airwaves max out at 100 Gigahertz (GHz), so naturally 6G will need to go well beyond the 100 GHz-threshold and jump into the terahertz (THz) range!
Which 5G band is the fastest?
High-band (mmWave) 5G is the fastest 5G band, but it’s limited in availability. Most users get the best mix of speed and coverage with mid-band 5G. And low-band has long range and better coverage but lacks in speed compared to the other bands. Here’s a breakdown of each 5G band:
High-band 5G (mmWave)
- Speeds up to 20Gbps in ideal conditions
- Operates above 24GHz
- Perfect for densely populated areas like city centers and stadiums
- Provides ultra-fast data but limited range and indoor coverage
Mid-band 5G
- Speeds up to 1Gbps
- Operates at 1 to 6Ghz
- Best for cities and suburbs, balancing speed and coverage
- Indoor performance may vary
Low-band 5G
- Speeds around 100Mbps
- Operates at 1GHz
- Ideal for rural and suburban areas
- Offers long-distance coverage and good building penetration
Where is 5G available?
5G is available in most urban and suburban areas nationwide, though rural areas have more limited access. That said, each major carrier is expanding and improving its network to reach even more people with faster speeds and better coverage.
Check the coverage maps below to see if 5G is available in your area before switching plans.
What carriers offer 5G?
All major carriers provide 5G. Here’s a quick overview of the major networks and what they offer.
- Verizon is the fastest but smallest 5G network, which focuses on high-band mmWave 5G, along with some mid-band coverage. See the full Verizon 5G coverage map.
- T-Mobile has the most extensive nationwide 5G network, covering over half of the U.S. By using mid- and low-band frequencies, even rural customers can access affordable 5G speeds. See the full T-Mobile 5G coverage map.
- AT&T balances speed and coverage for many customers, utilizing a combination of low-, mid-, and high-band 5G. This approach ensures robust coverage in urban areas, with continued expansion into suburban regions. See the full AT&T 5G coverage map.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon’s 5G coverage often extends to MVNOs, too. (Mint Mobile, for example, operates on T-Mobile’s 5G network.) Availability can vary by location, though, so it’s worth check each provider’s coverage map.
What is 5G UW?
"5G UW" stands for Ultra Wideband, a term used to describe high-band and some mid-band 5G networks. In other words, 5G Ultra Wideband is a 5G frequency used by Verizon that gives users a balance between the ultra-fast but limited-range mmWave and the slower but broader-reaching mid-band 5G. With speeds up to 1Gbps or more and latency as low as 1 millisecond, it’s designed for high-performance applications like augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), 4K/8K streaming, real-time gaming, and even advanced tech like industrial automation and smart stadium.
In short, Ultra Wideband is optimized for high speeds and safe use in crowded environments like football games, ensuring that even with many users, you won’t experience slower speeds. That means you can FaceTime your family during the final moments of the game without frozen frames.
Although 5G UW offers the fastest speeds, coverage is limited due to its shorter range. Given UW’s limited coverage and infrastructure requirements, your signal will default to Verizon’s (still fast) 5G or 4G LTE networks where 5G UW isn't available.
You can get 5G UW access through Unlimited Ultimate and Unlimited Plus plans, as an additional add-on to your previous unlimited plan, or with certain prepaid plans.
|
#1
|
Verizon
Unlimited Plus
$70.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Verizon
Unlimited Ultimate
$85.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
What is 5G UC?
T-Mobile’s 5G Ultra Capacity (5G UC) network uses mid-band and, in some cases, high-band mmWave 5G frequencies. With speeds reaching up to 20 Gbps (typically 100-900 Mbps with 4G LTE speeds) in optimal conditions and latency as low as 20 milliseconds, it’s well-suited for high-demand activities like HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. It’s also being used for smart city applications, telemedicine, and connected vehicles.
5G UC availability varies based on location and network congestion. In areas where 5G UC isn’t accessible, your connection will fall back to T-Mobile’s 5G SA (Standalone) or 4G LTE network, depending on your device and upcoming updates from T-Mobile.
T-Mobile’s 5G Ultra Capacity network is designed for high-speed connectivity, even in busy environments, allowing you to stay connected without significant slowdowns. This means you can stream your favorite shows or join video calls without interruptions, even during peak usage times.
It’s important to note that 5G UC is different from T-Mobile’s Extended Range, which is a low-band 5G network designed to bring coverage to more areas rather than focusing on speeds. As we’ve discussed, there’s often a compromise between the highest speeds and the best coverage.
You can access T-Mobile’s 5G UC through plans like Experience More and select business plans, with additional availability for certain prepaid options.
|
T-Mobile
Experience More
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
What is 5G Plus?
AT&T’s 5G Plus (5G+) takes the AT&T 5G experience up a notch by using mid-band and high-band spectrum to deliver faster speeds and better performance for demanding apps and services across a sizable chunk of the US.
With 5G+, you’ll enjoy improved capacity for handling multiple connected devices, making it perfect for busy spots like urban centers and large venues. Whether you’re diving into an immersive augmented reality experience, binge-watching videos, making video calls, or scrolling through social media, AT&T’s 5G+ can cover it.
While the network is growing, the high-band spectrum is currently available mainly in high-traffic areas and around 90 major venues and airports, with mid-band coverage in select metro spots.
The best part is upgrading to 5G+ doesn’t cost you a dime. All you need is an AT&T 5G plan, a compatible device (just look for the 5G+ indicator), and you’re set to enjoy better speeds and performance in more places than ever—especially in crowded areas.
|
AT&T
Value 2.0℠
$50.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
AT&T
Extra 2.0℠
$70.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
AT&T
Premium 2.0℠
$90.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
|
Trevor Wheelwright
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