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Performance metrics

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What speeds and performance can T-Mobile-branded Broadband Internet Access Services customers expect?

Many factors affect the speed and performance customers experience, including the programs or services running on the device, proximity to a cell site, the capacity of the cell site, weather, the surrounding terrain, use inside a building or moving vehicle, radio frequency interference, how many other customers are attempting to use the same spectrum resources, any high-speed data allotment, video optimization, the rate plans or features you select, and uses that affect your network prioritization, such as whether you are using Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering) or if you are a Heavy Data User. Customer devices also have varying speed capabilities and may connect to different networks depending on technology. Your network experience and access may also be impacted if you fail to pay amounts you owe T-Mobile.

Based on internal analysis and projections from third-party, crowd-sourced data and subject to the factors described in these pages, T-Mobile expects T-Mobile- customers with recent broadband-capable devices and qualifying service will experience the speeds and latency listed below on our 5G and 4G networks. These ranges are projections based on roughly the 25th and 75th percentiles of network tests.

The information detailed below is paired with general types of plans that will typically receive those speed and latency ranges.  You can also find a plan’s specific ranges on that plan’s Broadband Label, which is accessible where you shop for your plans, including on our plans pages, on the phone, or at retail store.

Speed & Latency

Speed

The term "speed" is commonly used as a shorthand way to describe the rate at which a particular broadband Internet access service can transmit data. This rate (or speed) is typically measured in the number of kilobits or megabits transmitted in one second (Kbps or Mbps). Some applications like email or basic web browsing do not require high-data speed to function very well, while other activities like high-definition video streaming or transferring large data files are better experienced with higher data speeds.

Latency

Latency, also known as delay, is the amount of time from when a data packet is sent to when it is received. For Broadband Internet Access Services, latency is the round-trip time it takes for a data packet to travel between two endpoints on the Internet (from point A to point B and then back to point A) and is usually expressed in milliseconds ("ms"). Some applications, such as email, can tolerate a substantial amount of latency without any noticeable impact on the application's performance, while other applications, such as real-time video conferencing, require lower latency to function properly.

Mobile Wireless & Temporary Fixed Wireless

5G Network:

On-Device for Most Plans

Download Speeds
Typically between 144 – 561 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 6 – 34 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 15 – 27 ms

5G Network:

On-Device for Select Plans

Download Speeds
Typically between 127 – 455 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 6 – 33 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 15 – 27 ms

(On-device for T-Mobile Essentials & T-Mobile Business Select)

5G Network:

Temp Fixed Wireless & Hotspot/Tethering

Download Speeds
Typically between 118 – 402 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 6 – 33 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 15 – 27 ms

(On-device or tethering for our currently offered Mobile Internet plans with 30GB or more per month, temporary fixed wireless including Away plans and Smartphone Mobile Hotspot/Tethering for eligible plans.)

4G Network:

On-Device for Most Plans

Download Speeds
Typically between 13 – 69 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 2 – 15 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 24 – 42 ms

4G Network:

On-Device for Select Plans

Download Speeds
Typically between 11 – 56 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 2 – 18 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 24 – 42 ms

(On-device for T-Mobile Essentials & T-Mobile Business Select)

4G Network:

Temp Fixed Wireless & Hotspot/Tethering

Download Speeds
Typically between 10 – 50 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 3 – 20 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 24 – 42 ms

(On-device or tethering for our Mobile Internet plans with 30GB or more per month and via Project 10Million and some other education Mobile Internet plans, temporary fixed wireless including Away and Smartphone Mobile Hotspot/Tethering for eligible plans.)

Wireless Internet

5G Network:

Rely, Amplified & All-In Plans for Wireless Home Internet & Wireless Small Business Internet

Download Speeds
Typically between 133 – 415 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 12 – 55 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 16 – 28 ms

5G Network:

Wireless Business Internet

Download Speeds
Typically between 91 – 361 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 21 – 38 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 18 – 36 ms

5G Network:

Lite & Capped Plans for Wireless Home Internet & Wireless Business Internet

Download Speeds
Typically between 52 – 241 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 11 – 30 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 18 – 36 ms

4G Network:

Wireless Business Internet

Download Speeds
Typically between 24 – 111 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 5 – 23 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 20 – 37 ms

4G Network:

Lite & Capped Plans for Wireless Home Internet & Wireless Business Internet

Download Speeds
Typically between 17 – 78 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Typically between 3 – 16 Mbps
Latency
Typically between 20 – 37 ms

The ranges above represent network performance nationally on recent devices and may differ from future network conditions or from what you purchased as part of your current rate plan when you first activated it. As T-Mobile's 5G network expands and becomes the primary network for new devices, reported speeds on the 4G network will increasingly represent customers on the edge of the 4G network with a weaker signal and lower speeds despite the possibility of faster 4G speeds in better coverage areas. As described above, your experience may also differ based on, e.g., your choice of rate plan and device, or the number of devices connected to the router in the case of Home Internet. You may occasionally experience speeds, latency, or other network capabilities outside the ranges available as part of your service. Performance for our temporary fixed wireless offerings (e.g. Away) reflects our nationwide network given the moveable nature of those services. Download and upload speeds may be lower in the initial locations where these products are activated.

Some plans may include maximum speeds for some services, including some T-Mobile wearables plans which provide a maximum of 600 kbps and T-Mobile IoT plans which provide a maximum of 128kbps. See your plan for details.

Where are these speeds available?

T-Mobile constantly works to improve performance on its network and to pursue advanced and next-generation technologies and services. For example, T-Mobile is in the process of deploying its 5G network, including layering millimeter wave, mid-band, and low-band spectrum over the 4G network. Currently, T-Mobile's 5G millimeter wave network is available in select areas. The low-band and mid-band 5G network is available nationwide, although coverage may not be available in some areas. Devices operating on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network may use multi-band dual connectivity. Customers with 5G-compatible devices may receive service via both T-Mobile's 4G network (including during VoLTE calls) and 5G network to support their connectivity.

In recent years, T-Mobile has aggressively built out its high-speed data networks so nearly all customers have regular access to high speeds. In those rare instances where customers are not able to receive a 4G/5G signal, T-Mobile provides 2G connections in many areas. These connections are used by the small percentage of customers without 4G/5G-capable devices or, in limited cases, when customers with 4G/5G-capable devices are unable to connect to the 4G network. T-Mobile may limit activations of new devices on these older technologies as we transition our network to newer technologies. See a sales representative for the latest options. Based on internal and crowd-sourced testing, we expect T-Mobile branded customers with broadband-capable devices during use of these older technologies to typically experience average download speeds lower than 100 kbps, average upload speeds lower than 30 Kbps, and latency greater than 350 ms. The typical customer experience on T-Mobile's older networks may be sufficient for extremely limited data applications, e.g., some messaging.

For coverage information relating to specific geographic areas, see our coverage map.

Where can I find information about device compatibility with a specific network technology?

To access a given network technology (e.g., low-band 5G), you must have a compatible device and be within the coverage area for that service (e.g., a low-band 5G device in a low-band 5G coverage area). Learn more about device capabilities by reviewing your user manual or find information about devices here (https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones). Additionally, a 5G-compatible SIM card may be required to access the T-Mobile 5G network. As noted above, devices operating on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network may, in some areas, use both 4G and 5G signals and dynamically route traffic between the signals to support your connectivity. The network architecture providing dual connectivity could result in instances where your device indicates a 5G connection, even though you are temporarily utilizing only 4G. As 5G technology develops, devices will be able to experience direct and continuous 5G in more places.

Got questions?

For additional Open Internet disclosures not found on this page, including our Privacy Notice, please review the Frequently asked questions.

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