5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology. Previous generations include 4G, 3G, 2G, and 1G. You might be wondering if 5G will replace 4G. That will happen eventually, maybe two decades down the road. But for now, just the same way 3G networks run alongside 4G networks, 4G and 5G networks will run side-by-side.
As such, T-Mobile’s 4G network is alive and well, and continues to run alongside the new nationwide 5G network. Another question you might ask is, What is a standalone 5G network? There have been two approaches to 5G – the first being to leverage on existing 4G LTE infrastructure, and the second being to use completely new network infrastructure. The latter is what is known as a standalone 5G network, that is, one that does not depend on an LTE network. Instead, it uses new network infrastructure to deliver better connectivity. This is what T-Mobile has done. Also note that T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network is built largely on the 600 MHz 5G band, with smaller footprints of millimeter wave (mmWave). This point is important, especially when you begin to shop for 5G phones, as we shall see further down this article. But it is important to note that, for the benefit of enjoying wider coverage on the T-Mobile 5G network, a 5G smartphone that supports 600 MHz 5G band is your best bet. It is also important to note that the 600 MHz spectrum is not as fast as millimeter-wave, so expect slower speeds if using 600 MHz 5G phones.
T-Mobile 5G Plans And Prices
What will you be paying to use 5G on T-Mobile’s network? The wireless carrier says that 5G access is available at the same prices that 4G access is. You will not pay extra on T-Mobile 5G plans. As a matter of fact, there are no dedicated 5G plans on the carrer. Just subscribe to the usual plans and bundles to get both 4G and 5G access. Available T-Mobile plans include: T-Mobile Essential ($30/line) monthly, T-Mobile Magenta ($35/line) monthly, and Magenta Plus ($43/line) monthly. T-Mobile also offers an unlimited plan too, and you just might be interested in that.
T-Mobile 5G Cities List
Back in June 2019, T-Mobile had launched 5G service, on millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum, in 6 cities, including Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York have all had that 5G coverage from T-Mobile since the end of June 2019 T-Mobile USA launched its nationwide 5G network in December. As at press time, the carrier says that its 5G nationwide network now covers over 7,500 cities and towns across the United States. It also says that this represents about 65% of Americans covered. To check if your city or town is covered, use the T-Mobile 5G coverage map HERE.
T-Mobile 5G Phones
Because 5G is new technology, its availability on smartphones is still limited. There are few 5G phones in the market at this time, and they are either flagship or upper mid-range. Some of the available 5G phones for use on T-Mobile 5G plans are:
OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren (supports 600 MHz 5G) – $899 OnePlus 8 5G (supports 600 MHz) – $699 LG V60 ThinQ 5G (supports 600 MHz) – from $799 Samsung Galaxy S20 5G (supports 600 MHz) – $999 Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G (supports 600 MHz 5G / mmWave) – $1,199 Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (supports 600 MHz 5G / mmWave) – $1,399 Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus (supports 600 MHz 5G / mmWave) – $1,299
These 5G smartphones can be purchased at T-Mobile retail stores across the United States, as well as from the T-Mobiile website. If you want to spread payments out, this is available on T-Mobile.
Note also that you can buy any of these 5G smartphones unlocked from 3rd party retailers for use with T-Mobile 5G plans in cities and towns where there is coverage. Having a commercial nationwide 5G network coverage in the United States is a major milestone in the deployment and adoption of the 5th generation of wireless technology. With T-Mobile 5G plans being the same as their existing 4G plans, there is little to keep you from exploring the new world of faster wireless speeds. Perhaps the only limiting factor for now is that 5G smartphones are still expensive. But if you are looking to upgrade your phone this year, getting a 5G smartphone is no longer such a bad idea now that 5G coverage is available nationwide.
