The 5G technology was first introduced in 2018 and became the talk of the town in no time. 5G’s nationwide rollout in America has been 40% faster than that of the previous generation of cellular networks, i.e. 4G. Currently, more than 90% of the country’s population has access to 5G services.
Initially, 5G was all about faster mobile data, but service carriers began advertising 5G internet for home – a wireless alternative to traditional broadband internet.
The idea of fast and reliable internet without the hassle of running wires was fantastic, which is why the concept readily gained popularity. By the end of 2023, 5G home internet service providers in America had more than 175 million subscriptions, and the number continues to grow.
What is 5G Home Internet?
Traditional wired broadband involves underground or overhead cables running from the internet service provider’s hub to your home; these cables can be plain copper, coaxial, or fiber-optic. 5G home internet is a service that eliminates the need to lay down cables.
The 5G connection requires a fixed receiver to be installed inside or outside the consumer’s house. This receiver wirelessly forms a link with the nearest 5G tower; you’ll still need a SIM card and subscription, as with a mobile data package for your phone.
The signal receiver is connected to a modem and router/gateway to set up your home network – similar to how it’s done with traditional broadband.
Pros and Cons of 5G Home Internet
đź‘Ť Benefits of 5G internet
- Faster than 4G and other wireless internet technologies
- Offer speeds up to 1000 Mbps
- Low latency (20-40ms on average) – good for gaming, streaming, video calls, etc.
- Wireless infrastructure enables easy setup/installation
- Decent option for areas that don’t have cable or fiber internet
- Relatively affordable
đź‘Ž Drawbacks of 5G internet
- Speeds fluctuate and vary by location
- Severe weather conditions and physical barriers can lead to signal loss
- Practical speeds are much lower than cable and fiber internet
- Not as secure as wired broadband
- Limited availability in rural areas
What is the Difference Between 5G For Mobile and 5G Home Internet?
Perhaps your first thought was that 5G home internet should be the same as using your 5G-powered mobile data on multiple devices via hotspot – FYI, it’s not.
In essence, the 5G internet for your phone is a shared network meant to provide internet access on the go, whereas 5G internet for home is a fixed wireless connection devoted to the premises of your house.
5G Home Internet’s dedicated bandwidth delivers better and more consistent speeds to multiple devices on your home network. On the contrary, coverage and performance of 5G mobile internet can vary greatly by location; not to mention, mobile hotspots have limited range and capacity.
How Does 5G Compare to Other Internet Options?
Is 5G better than all other internet options out there? Not exactly, but it does offer certain advantages. Let’s compare it to the true and tried wired broadband services for more clarity on the matter.
5G vs. Fiber Internet
5G Home Internet
Availability
Even though more than 90% of America’s population has access to 5G mobile services, the deployment of 5G internet for home is limited at present.
Speed & Latency
The average 5G Home Internet provider offers download speeds between 40 – 300 Mbps, and upload speeds are up to 50 Mbps only.
The average latency is less than 40ms, which is good for all kinds of data-heavy activities involving real-time interactions, i.e. multiplayer gaming, conference calls, live streaming, etc.
Plans & Pricing
5G Home Internet providers usually offer 2-3 plans to choose from, and the monthly cost is between $35 - $75, which is affordable for the average household.
You can save more by bundling your 5G Home Internet service with a mobile data package, streaming services, or any other add-ons offered by the provider.
Data Caps
Nearly all 5G Home Internet providers offer unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about overage fees.
Installation & Equipment
5G Home Internet is easy to set up (with the wireless infrastructure) so most customers can configure and install it on their own; this saves time and money.
Overall Reliability
5G speeds and overall performance vary significantly by location.
Moreover, being a wireless internet service, it is easily influenced by physical and environmental factors.
Fiber Internet
Availability
Over 55% of the American population has access to fiber internet services. Right now, the fiber network is concentrated in big cities, but it is gradually expanding to rural regions.
Speed & Latency
Most fiber internet providers offer residential plans with speeds up to 10 Gbps. Moreover, a true fiber connection offers symmetrical speeds, i.e. upload and download speeds are equal.
The average latency of fiber internet is 1 – 5ms, which is lower than all other broadband options. Fiber internet’s ultra-low latency makes it ideal for data-heavy applications.
Plans & Pricing
Fiber Internet providers typically have a wide range of plans to choose from, given the bigger speed bracket.
It’s residential plans start for as low as $30 per month and can be $150 per month or more, depending on the plan/speed you choose. Some providers offer bundling with other services as well.
Data Caps
Most Fiber Internet providers do not impose data caps, so you can play and stream in HD as much as you want.
Installation & Equipment
Fiber internet installation can be time-consuming and expensive unless your home already has the right infrastructure for it; DIY is rarely an option.
Overall Reliability
Fiber-optic cables provide a highly reliable connection as they are least susceptible to external factors.
You can expect consistent speeds at all times (including peak usage hours) and outages are rare.
5G vs. Cable Internet
5G Home Internet
Availability
5G Home Internet has shown tremendous growth in the last few years. The 5G network expands across rural and urban areas.
Speed & Latency
Even though download and upload speeds are not that impressive at the moment, the latency range is acceptable for all kinds of online activities.
Plans & Pricing
5G Home Internet plans are generally affordable with an average price of $50 per month.
Most providers offer bundling with mobile data packages and/or streaming services.
Data Caps
Almost every 5G Home Internet dealer offers unlimited data, so data usage doesn’t affect the cost.
Installation & Equipment
The wireless network requires minimum equipment, which is easy to configure and operate.
Overall Reliability
5G internet can be relatively unreliable due to its susceptibility to environmental factors.
Cable Internet
Availability
Widely available in urban areas; cable internet is accessible by more than 85% of households nationwide.
Speed & Latency
Cable internet can achieve download speeds up to 1000 Mbps, though upload speeds are much lower. The average latency is 5 – 40ms, which is comparable to what you get with 5G.
Plans & Pricing
Cable internet is considered one of the cheapest internet options with an average price range of $20 - $80 per month.
Best for bundling with TV and phone services.
Data Caps
Some cable internet providers have data caps and some don’t. However, the ones that do are likely to include a reasonable or generous data allowance.
Installation & Equipment
Cable internet uses the same infrastructure as cable TV, so self-install is a viable option.
Overall Reliability
Most cable internet providers use coaxial cables, which are damage-resistant and durable; this guarantees a stable and steady connection.
5G vs. DSL
5G Home Internet
Availability
5G Home Internet services are expanding across urban and rural areas.
Speed & Latency
With speeds up to 300 Mbps practically (and potential for more on paper) and average latency below 40ms, 5G is the fastest wireless internet option.
Plans & Pricing
5G internet providers may offer a few plans to choose from and monthly costs rarely exceed $80 per month for the best speeds.
Data Caps
Data caps are not applicable on most plans.
Installation & Equipment
Getting 5G up and running requires minimal technical expertise and hardware.
Overall Reliability
Speeds and overall performance are inconsistent, so the reliability score is relatively low.
DSL Internet
Availability
DSL Internet is mostly obsolete in urban areas (replaced by cable and fiber internet), but remains popular in many rural regions.
Speed & Latency
DSL internet can provide download speeds up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps.
While maximum achievable speeds are lower than 5G, latency is more or less the same (up to 40ms)
Plans & Pricing
The price of DSL internet falls between $20-$70 per month, which is economical for the average household.
DSL providers commonly have one single plan because of the limited speed bracket.
Data Caps
Data caps may or may not apply; varies by provider.
Installation & Equipment
DSL provides internet access via a phone line and can be self-installed with some technical knowledge.
Overall Reliability
As a dedicated wired broadband service, DSL provides a stable connection and uniform speeds.
Who Should Consider 5G Home Internet?
5G Home Internet can be the most favorable option in an array of scenarios. The benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, depending on your locality, internet usage, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Let’s take a look at some users and their situations, which are highly compatible with 5G Internet for home.
The Best 5G Internet Providers
Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are the leading 5G Home Internet providers in the United States. Here’s an overview of what each provider has to offer.
- Download speeds up to 1000 Mbps
- No data caps or contracts
- Starting from $35/mo. only (w/ Auto Pay & select 5G mobile plans See Details
- Supports up to 15 devices
- Download speeds up to 415 Mbps
- Available across 50 states
- Simple 15‑minute self‑installation
- Price Lock Guarantee (taxes and fees apply)
Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks, including data prioritization.
- Download speeds up to 300 Mbps
- No equipment fees
- No price increase at 12 months
- Complete Wi-Fi® for enhanced coverage
FAQs about 5G Home Internet
What is the average speed of 5G home internet?
The average speed delivered by 5G Home Internet in most areas lies between 100 – 300 Mbps.
How much does 5G internet cost?
Most 5G Home Internet plans cost between $30-$60 per month.
Is 5G internet good for gaming?
The average speeds and latency of 5G internet are good enough for online gaming.
What areas have 5G home internet coverage?
5G Home Internet coverage varies by provider. At present T-Mobile owns the largest 5G network, which spans across 50 states.
Can 5G replace fiber internet?
Even though 5G has the potential to provide incredibly fast internet, it is not in a position to replace fiber internet right now or in the near future.