How does 5G work?
5G networks can be built using different bands of spectrum—low-band, mid-band, and high-band. Our 5G network utilizes all three of them.
Extended Range 5G
Broad nationwide coverage.
Extended Range 5G includes our most powerful low-band 600MHz signal and reaches far and wide for nationwide coverage. These frequencies deliver speeds faster than 4G LTE—over hundreds of square miles—and can pass through buildings to provide better coverage both indoors and out. There’s no better signal for coverage than 600MHz.
Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details.
Ultra Capacity 5G
Performance-boosting coverage.
Ultra Capacity 5G is comprised of both mid-band and high-band (mmWave) spectrum, which together deliver a speed and capacity boost on top of the nationwide Extended Range 5G coverage. With greater bandwidth and capacity to carry large amounts of data at speeds as fast as Wi-Fi, Ultra Capacity 5G provides a fast and reliable connection in populated areas and at big events and is now available nationwide to 200 million people.
Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details. Based on analysis by T-Mobile of Speedtest Intelligence® data from Ookla® U.S. median 5G T-Mobile results from cities with 2.5GHz speeds compared to mobile wi-fi results for Aug-Oct 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Nationwide based on T-Mobile analysis of population covered; see t-mobile.com/5GLayers.
5G vs. 4G
What’s the difference between 5G and 4G LTE?
5G continues the evolution of wireless after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. With 5G, networks can move vast amounts of data more efficiently than with 4G LTE. That means:
• Faster speeds to download movies and shows or video chat on the go.
• More connected devices with a faster signal at large events.
• Quick responsiveness during data-demanding activities, like cloud gaming.
• Low latency to enable the use of drones and autonomous vehicles.
• Reliable connections that allow content streaming from virtually anywhere.
Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details. See full terms
5G vs. 4G
5G continues the evolution of wireless after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. With 5G, networks can move vast amounts of data more efficiently than with 4G LTE. That means:
• Faster speeds to download movies and shows or video chat on the go.
• More connected devices with a faster signal at large events.
• Quick responsiveness during data-demanding activities, like cloud gaming.
• Low latency to enable the use of drones and autonomous vehicles.
• Reliable connections that allow content streaming from virtually anywhere.
While 5G access won’t require a certain plan or feature, some uses/services might. See Coverage details, Terms and conditions, and Open internet information for network management details (like video optimization).
5G is making an impact—for all.
See how 5G technology is benefiting our communities.
5G built for coverage and speed.
T-Mobile is America’s largest, fastest, and most reliable 5G network.
Independent experts agree, we’re the leader in 5G coverage and speed. We built a 5G network using dedicated 5G frequencies, and other carriers can’t match our nationwide coverage. Plus, with our Ultra Capacity 5G, we’re amping up performance—bringing faster 5G speeds to more places across the country.
Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile.com. Fastest: Based on median, overall combined 5G speeds according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 5G download speeds for Q1 2022. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Most Reliable: According to an audit report conducted by independent third party umlaut containing crowdsourced data for user experience including task completion collected from November 2021 to May 2022. Full details at: www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/USA See full terms
5G built for coverage and speed.
Independent experts agree, we’re the leader in 5G coverage and speed. We built a 5G network using dedicated 5G frequencies, and other carriers can’t match our nationwide coverage. Plus, with our Ultra Capacity 5G, we’re amping up performance—bringing faster 5G speeds to more places across the country.
Ultra Capacity 5G includes dedicated mid- and/or high-band 5G signals & covers 200 million people nationwide, with more added all the time (see t-mobile.com/5GLayers). Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. While 5G access won’t require a certain plan or feature, some uses/services might. See Coverage details, Terms and Conditions, and Open Internet information for network management details (like video optimization).
Discover more about 5G.
Check 5G coverage in your area.
5G: Capable device required. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see plan for details. See full terms
Check 5G coverage in your area.
While 5G access won't require a certain plan or feature, some uses/services might. See Coverage details, Terms and Conditions, and Open Internet information for network management details (like video optimization) at T-Mobile.com
Now’s the time to upgrade to a 5G phone.
Now’s the time to upgrade to a 5G phone.
Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. While 5G access won't require a certain plan or feature, some uses/services might. 5G uplink not yet available. See Coverage details, Terms and Conditions and Open Internet information for network management details (like video optimization).