[Skip to main content](https://www.t-mobile.com#content-main) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) Log in [](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions - [Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) Plans - Plans - [Business Phone Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) - [Business Data Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/plans/business-unlimited-data-plans) - [Enterprise Unlimited](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/enterprise-unlimited-plans) - [Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet) - [First Responder Agency](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government/first-responders-connecting-heroes) - [Travel Benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/plans/travel-benefits) - [Consumer Phone Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans) - [Coverage](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/5g) Coverage - [5G Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/5g) - [5G & 4G Coverage Map](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/5g/5g-coverage-map) - [Satellite Phone Service](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/starlink-satellite-phone-service) - [Try our 5G Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/free-network-trial) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/cell-phones) Devices - Type - [Cell phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/cell-phones) - [Tablets and Hotspots](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/tablets) - [Accessories](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/accessories) - [Bring your own device](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/byod-bring-your-own-device) - [Non-stock Certified Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot/device-certification) - Deals - [See all deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/business-deals-hub) - [Apple](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/apple-business-iphone-deals) - [Samsung](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/samsung-galaxy-5g) - [Google Pixel](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/google-pixel-deals) - [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet) Internet - [Overview](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet) - [Small/Medium Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/small-business-internet) - [Enterprise Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/business-internet) - [Government Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government/internet-services) - [Education Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/internet-services) - [Check availability](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/check-eligibility) - [Deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/business-deals-hub) Deals - Deals - [See all deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/business-deals-hub) - [Apple](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/apple-business-iphone-deals) - [Samsung](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/samsung-galaxy-5g#INTNAV=tNav:Deals:Samsung) - [Google Pixel](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/google-pixel-deals) - [Free & Zero Down Phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/zero-down-phones) - Plan Discounts - [Military & Veterans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/military-discount-plans) - [First Responders](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/offers/first-responder-discount-phone-plans) - [Solutions](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions) Solutions - Solutions - [Overview](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions) - [Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/business-internet) - [Internet of Things](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot) - [Advanced Networking](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/5g-advanced-solutions) - [Productivity](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/productivity) - [Security](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/security) - [AI-powered communications](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/dialpad) - Segments & Industries - [Small/Medium businesses](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/small-midsize-business) - [Enterprise](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/enterprise) - [Government](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government) - [Education](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education) - [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) - [Industries](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/industry-solutions) - Resources - [Why T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/why-tmobile) - [Customer Stories](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/why-tmobile/customer-success-stories) - [Switch Carriers](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/switch-phone-carriers) - [Benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/benefits/magenta-status) - [T-Platform](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/t-platform) - [Innovate Awards](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/customer-innovate-awards) [Contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/b2b-contact-information) Contact us - [Sales: 833-390-1896](tel:1-833-390-1896) - [Support: 844-211-5308](tel:1-844-211-5308) - [Connect with sales](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/b2b-contact-information/form) [Find a store](https://www.t-mobile.com/stores/i/business) [Cart](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/cart) Search Search Submit search query Close out of search RECENT0 recent searches POPULAR0 popular search suggestions Categoriesundefined categories Suggestions0 search suggestions TOP SUGGESTIONS - [](https://www.t-mobile.com) undefined top suggestions Get Started My account [Log in](https://tfb.t-mobile.com/) [Back to dashboard](https://www.t-mobile.com/account/dashboard) more from T-Mobile - [Wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) - [Prepaid](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home) - [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) - [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) - [SuperMobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/plans/supermobile) [](https://www.t-mobile.com) # The 5G field guide for manufacturing. Allow more control and improved efficiency with 5G by enabling real-time communications and minimizing network delays with low latency.   __6 minute read__ Contact us ## The 5G field guide for manufacturing. Share this article: [](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fbusiness%2Findustry-solutions%2Fmanufacturing%2F5g-automotive-manufacturing-guide) [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fbusiness%2Findustry-solutions%2Fmanufacturing%2F5g-automotive-manufacturing-guide) [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fbusiness%2Findustry-solutions%2Fmanufacturing%2F5g-automotive-manufacturing-guide) ## KEY TAKEAWAYS - __5G has the potential to speed up data, minimize network delays, and offer greater flexibility compared to 4G.__ - __Manufacturing leaders can harness the capabilities of 5G wireless networks, including high speed, low latency, high reliability, and supporting vastly more end devices.__ - __5G can improve existing applications like asset tracking and vehicle performance data and enables new features, including augmented reality (AR).__ - __With mid-band 5G, automotive leaders can leverage wireless networks for critical initiatives, including factory automation and supply chain management.With mid-band 5G, automotive leaders can leverage wireless networks for critical initiatives, including factory automation and supply chain management.__     5G wireless is maturing in the consumer market but has yet to reach its full potential in manufacturing facilities. That is beginning to change as automakers recognize that 5G offers capabilities beyond existing network technology both inside and outside of plant facilities. These deployments are producing operational efficiencies and enabling advanced manufacturing techniques.   The principal advantage 5G offers over previous 4G LTE networks is that it uses more advanced digital encoding to enable higher speeds, more reliable service, and allow for more flexible use of the airwaves. These benefits further enable wider channels to speed up data, lower latency to minimize network delays, support massive networks of smart devices with higher capacities, and allow for more security and fine-tuning with better control.   Early 5G implementations were built on top of 4G infrastructure using low, mid, and high frequency bands, or any combination thereof. The actual performance and range of a given 5G network today can vary widely among mobile carriers with some only marginally better than 4G/LTE networks. Today’s most advanced 5G networks are standalone, meaning they don’t depend on any 4G technology and aggregate (combine) multiple frequency bands into a single connection.  ## 5G has the potential for much lower latency and much greater flexibility compared to 4G: - Lower latency means minimal delay in moving time-sensitive data over the network. That’s a big factor in situations where network responsiveness is key, such as safety systems and autonomous technologies that need real-time communication. - Greater flexibility means the network can combine channels to achieve much higher speeds and throughput as well as segment connections for increased security.   ## How 5G works. Like previous cellular networks,1 5G divides a geographic area into cells, each with a radio base station that subdivides the cell into sectors, encodes the data, and then transmits the signal via radio waves. Each cell connects to a network backbone for managing switching and roaming services.   Some 5G offerings are not leveraging all of the available dedicated 5G frequency spectrum. Instead, they rely on a capability that lets 5G opportunistically make use of existing 4G spectrum. As a result, network performance from an end user point of view may be only somewhat better than 4G.   4G can combine up to seven 20 megahertz (MHz) channels for a total bandwidth of 140 MHz. By contrast, today’s 5G standalone equipment is capable of running larger 100 MHz channels that combine for more than a tenfold increase in potential bandwidth.   To achieve these performance levels, mobile operators must leverage high frequencies and 5G’s standalone capabilities. However, not all carriers do so. ## How 5G is deployed. ### Fundamentally, 5G is spectrum agnostic, meaning it can use: ## Low-band frequencies, below 1 gigahertz (GHz).  ## Low-band frequencies, below 1 gigahertz (GHz). ## Mid-band frequencies, from 1 to 6 GHz in the U.S.  ## Mid-band frequencies, from 1 to 6 GHz in the U.S. ## High-band frequencies above 24 GHz (a range also known as millimeter wave).  ## High-band frequencies above 24 GHz (a range also known as millimeter wave). For auto OEMs, actual 5G performance from a given mobile operator depends on the combination of the deployed frequencies they use, the amount of available spectrum, and whether the network is 5G standalone.   Early 5G services typically used 4G and 5G lower frequency connections, an approach called “non-standalone access” or NSA. The resulting performance was only somewhat better than 4G LTE. T-Mobile introduced the first standalone (SA) 5G service in 20202 and currently operates the only nationwide 5G SA network in the U.S.   All major U.S. carriers now leverage mid-band 5G as part of their strategy, making it a viable point of comparison for manufacturers to more easily assess 5G services in terms of demonstrated range and performance, as well as pricing and contract terms.   Ookla’s United States Speedtest Connectivity Report has consistently ranked T-Mobile as leader in the U.S. 5G wireless landscape, with the fastest speeds, best consistency, and top user ratings.3 > “T-Mobile was the fastest mobile provider in the U.S. during this period (2024), based on Speedtest Intelligence data for all technologies combined, with a Speed Score of 205.98. Its median download speed was 234.82 Mbps, a strong increase from 164.14 Mbps during the same period the previous year.” *Fastest based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data of national Speed Score results incorporating 5G download and upload speeds for Q1-Q2 2024. See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com.* ## How to leverage 5G in automotive manufacturing. ### Manufacturers continue to face three major business challenges: 1. How to recruit new workers and develop expertise. 2. How to maintain supply chain resiliency. 3. How to anticipate and respond to changing customer needs. With 5G standalone wireless, manufacturers can harness its key capabilities to serve those priorities with higher data speeds,4 superior reliability, lower latency, and expanded capacity to support more devices more cost effectively than building out traditional Wi-Fi and ethernet networks.   Leading auto OEMs use private 5G or hybrid 5G networks to deliver top performance while increasing security. Private 5G is a dedicated, restricted-access network, custom-designed for an organization and its specific applications. Hybrid 5G combines the benefits of public and private infrastructure, providing the coverage and cost benefits of the former with the custom design of the latter.   By deploying public, private, and hybrid 5G networks, manufacturers can reduce costs, cut production times, streamline support, increase productivity, and grow capacity. In addition, 5G support beyond the factory can further boost ROI by improving business processes such as worker training, location tracking, inventory management, and fleet management.   Advanced 5G standalone networks have the capacity and low latency to power applications that 4G just couldn’t handle. That means not only improving existing use cases but also enabling new ones such as: 1. __Enablement of robotics and autonomous guided vehicles.__ 2. __Live remote monitoring of production assets, such as factory acceptance tests.__ 3. __Cellular-connected products that transition seamlessly from assembly line to consumer.__ 4. __Simplified real-time equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance.__ 5. __More ubiquitous asset tracking with precision location for improved transparency of the supply chain.__ 6. __Augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) for faster, more effective worker training, on-the-job skills development, and remote interactive troubleshooting and support.__ 7. __Real-time location data, including situational intelligence, and vehicle performance data for optimizing fleet management.__ 8. __Augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) for faster, more effective worker training, on-the-job skills development, and remote interactive troubleshooting and support.__ ## The value of 5G manufacturing solutions. Mobile operators are facilitating certification of 5G devices for their respective networks and partnering with a growing array of device makers. As 5G is integrated into industrial IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, robots, and drones, more mobile operators are expanding their partnerships with manufacturing software vendors to create packaged, targeted manufacturing 5G solutions that can be deployed quickly.  These solutions let manufacturing leaders focus on identifiable ROI and prioritize factory cost savings and productivity improvements that make sense for their plants. When deployed as a private or hybrid network, 5G is able to encompass large-scale plants and facilities to supplement industrial ethernet and Wi-Fi infrastructure. Advanced 5G networks can be more cost-effective than building out traditional networks to support the greater data needs of Industry 4.0 initiatives. ## How to choose a 5G service. ### When considering 5G solutions offered by mobile network operators, you should ask: - What is the demonstrated performance of the operator’s 5G service at specific facility locations? - What options does the operator offer to customize 5G coverage inside and around the facilities? - What 5G-compatible IoT devices, equipment, and sensors are available for a given solution? What is the operator’s roadmap for evolving and optimizing its 5G standalone service?   Auto manufacturers face an array of business challenges from swings in market demand to supply chain disruptions. With a solid 5G manufacturing strategy, business leaders are better prepared to tackle those challenges and pursue objectives such as factory automation, human capital development, and supply chain resiliency.s, meet consumer needs, and deliver tomorrow's solutions. ## Recommended reading.  CONNECTING CARS & CUSTOMERS ## Advanced connected vehicle architecture. [Advanced connected vehicle architecture.](https://www.t-mobile.com) Advanced connected vehicle architecture. [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/content/digx/tfb/us/en/business/industry-solutions/connected-vehicle-network/connecting-cars-customers.html?icid=TFB_TMO_P_TFBAUTOSOL_8C33F3DB80A342CF41225) ## Advanced connected vehicle architecture.  5G FOR INDUSTRY 4.0 ## 3 ways 5G smart factories will transform business. [3 ways 5G smart factories will transform business.](https://www.t-mobile.com) 3 ways 5G smart factories will transform business. [Read the infographic.](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/industry-solutions/manufacturing/smart-factory-infographic) ## 3 ways 5G smart factories will transform business.  5G AND THE CONNECTED VEHICLE ## Where 5G fits in manufacturers’ data strategy. [Where 5G fits in manufacturers’ data strategy.](https://www.t-mobile.com) Where 5G fits in manufacturers’ data strategy. [Read the article](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/trends-insights/5g/automotive/5g-connected-vehicle) ## Where 5G fits in manufacturers’ data strategy. ## Discover more resources. - [5G IoT use cases for business.](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/resources/articles/5g-iot-use-cases-for-business) - [Why mid-band matters for 5G.](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/resources/articles/why-mid-band-5g-matters) - [5G FAQ: from the impact on IoT to business communications.](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/5g/5g-hq/faq) 1.     Moniem-Tech, 2018, “LTE Radio Channels,” accessed August 2, 2024, [https://moniem-tech.com/2018/05/04/lte-radio-channels/?icid=TFB\_TMO\_P\_TFBAUTOSOL\_8C33F3DB80A342CF41236.](https://moniem-tech.com/2018/05/04/lte-radio-channels/?icid=TFB_TMO_P_TFBAUTOSOL_8C33F3DB80A342CF41236) 2.     Ookla, Karim Yaici, 2024, “Faster Speeds and the Promise of New Use Cases is Driving 5G SA Adoption,” accessed August 8, 2024, [https://www.ookla.com/articles/5gsa-q2-2024?icid=TFB\_TMO\_P\_TFBAUTOSOL\_8C33F3DB80A342CF41235.](https://www.ookla.com/articles/5gsa-q2-2024?icid=TFB_TMO_P_TFBAUTOSOL_8C33F3DB80A342CF41235) 3\. Telecompetitor, Ian Doescher, 2024, “Report: T-Mobile the Fastest Mobile Network, Highest for Consistency and Ratings,” accessed August 8, 2024, [https://www.telecompetitor.com/report-t-mobile-the-fastest-mobile-network-highest-for-consistency-and-ratings/?icid=TFB\_TMO\_P\_TFBAUTOSOL\_8C33F3DB80A342CF41237.](https://www.telecompetitor.com/report-t-mobile-the-fastest-mobile-network-highest-for-consistency-and-ratings/?icid=TFB_TMO_P_TFBAUTOSOL_8C33F3DB80A342CF41237) 4.     1NCE, n.d., “What Are the 5G Speeds and How It Differs from 2G, 3G, and 4G Networks?” accessed August 2, 2024, [https://1nce.com/en-us/resources/iot-knowledge-base/iot-connectivity/cellular-networks/5g-vs-4g-speed?icid=TFB\_TMO\_P\_TFBAUTOSOL\_8C33F3DB80A342CF41238](https://1nce.com/en-us/resources/iot-knowledge-base/iot-connectivity/cellular-networks/5g-vs-4g-speed?icid=TFB_TMO_P_TFBAUTOSOL_8C33F3DB80A342CF41238). ### Let’s talk. [855-212-0510](tel:855-212-0510) Speak to an expert ## Follow T-Mobile for Business - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/t-mobile-business/?INTNAV=fNav%3ALinkedIn) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Tmobileforbusiness/) - [X](https://twitter.com/TMobileBusiness/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@t-mobileforbusiness) - [English](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [Español](https://www.t-mobile.com) - ### Contact an expert Contact an expert - [Talk to an expert 1-855-977-4135](tel:) - [Email an expert](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/b2b-contact-information) - ### Customer Care Customer Care - [My account log in](https://tfb.t-mobile.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3AMyAccountLogin) - [Call a CARE expert](tel:) - [Online support site](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business) - ### Plans Plans - [Business Phone plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) - [International coverage](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/international-coverage) - [Small Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/small-business-internet) - [Business Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/business-internet-services/business-internet) - ### Resources Resources - [Reasons to switch](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/reasons-switch-t-mobile-business) - [DIGITS](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/digits) - [Merger benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/t-mobile-sprint-merger-benefits) - [Events](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/t-mobile-events-webinars) - ### Segments & Industries Segments & Industries - [Small/Medium businesses](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/small-midsize-business) - [Enterprise](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/enterprise) - [Government](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government) - [Public safety](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government/public-safety) - [Education](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education) - [Libraries](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/industry-solutions/libraries) - ### More from T-Mobile More from T-Mobile - [Wholesale](https://t-mobile.com/wholesale?INTNAV=fNav%3AWholesale) - [Consumer wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Become a T-Mobile Partner](https://businesspartners.t-mobile.com/English/program_overview.aspx?INTNAV=fNav%3ABecomeT-MobilePartner) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [About](https://www.t-mobile.com/about-us) - [Investor relations](https://investor.t-mobile.com/investors/default.aspx?INTNAV=fNav%3AInvestorRelations) - [Press](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.t-mobile.com/careers) - [Deutsche Telekom](https://www.telekom.com/en?INTNAV=fNav%3ADeutscheTelekom) - [Puerto Rico](https://www.t-mobilepr.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3APuertoRico) - [Privacy notice](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/our-practices/privacy-policy) - [Trust Center](https://security.t-mobile.com/?INTNAV=fNav%3ATrustCenter) - [Privacy Center](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center) - [Consumer information](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info) - [Public safety/911](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/safety/9-1-1) - [Terms & conditions](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/terms-and-conditions) - [Terms of use](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/terms-of-use) - [Accessibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy) - [Open Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/internet-service) - [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [Licenses & Patents](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/licenses-and-patents) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tmobile/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Tmobileforbusiness/) - [X](https://twitter.com/TMobileBusiness/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@t-mobileforbusiness) © 2026 T‑Mobile USA, Inc. ## The 5G field guide for manufacturing. ## Low-band frequencies, below 1 gigahertz (GHz). ## Mid-band frequencies, from 1 to 6 GHz in the U.S. ## High-band frequencies above 24 GHz (a range also known as millimeter wave). ## Advanced connected vehicle architecture. ## 3 ways 5G smart factories will transform business. ## Where 5G fits in manufacturers’ data strategy.