5G was supposed to be as much as 100 times faster than 4G, with speeds reaching 10 – 20 Gbps. While 5G technology has great potential, those speeds are simply hypothetical. In reality, the speeds we achieve on 5G networks are much lower, though they are getting better over time.
5G speeds are certainly an upgrade from 4G, but perhaps not as good as we expected. If you think your 5G Internet is too slow despite seeing full bars on your smartphone, an explanation is due.
Not sure if your 5G Internet is actually slow or underperforming?
Run a quick speed test to determine if your provider is delivering the speeds you deserve.
We’ll go through the causes of slow 5G connectivity and possible solutions in detail, but first, let’s do a quick overview of the technology for better understanding.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology and the successor of 4G. Here are some general differences between the two mobile network generations:
⚡4G:
- Theoretical download speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Practical download speeds between 20 - 100 Mbps
- Average latency is between 40 – 100ms
- Network of large cell towers with a signal range of 10+ miles
🚀 5G:
- Theoretical download speeds up to 20 Gbps
- Practical download speeds up to 1 Gbps (100 – 300 Mbps on average)
- Latency is typically below 10ms
- A closely knit network of smaller cell stations with lower signal reach (depends on available 5G band)
As the latest generation of cellular networks, 5G excels in overall performance with higher speeds, lower latency, and greater bandwidth. However, 5G’s high-frequency bands have a narrower range than 4G’s, which is why a denser network of cell sites is required.
5G frequency bands are divided into three categories:
| Band Type | Frequency Range | Signal Range | Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Band | Less than 1 GHz | 10 – 15 miles | 25–250 Mbps |
| Mid-Band | Between 1 – 6 GHz | 1 – 5 miles | 100 – 900 Mbps |
| High-Band (mmWave) | 24 GHz and beyond | Less than 0.6 miles | 1 Gbps+ |
5G vs. 4G — Which Is Truly Faster?
5G can deliver speeds as much as 100 times faster than 4G under ideal conditions. However, practically 5G speeds may not seem any better than 4G due to various reasons, such as:
- You’re too far away from a 5G cell station
- You reside in a rural area that has better 4G coverage
- You don’t get a clear 5G signal due to extreme weather conditions or other environmental barriers
- Your device isn’t optimized for 5G connectivity
You deserve uninterrupted wireless connectivity!
Is 5G better than Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi vs. 5G: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?
Top Reasons Why 5G is So Slow
Your 5G internet could be underperforming due to problems at the provider’s hub, a glitch at your end, or something in between. Below are the most common reasons for slow 5G internet:
1. Not All “5G” Is Fast
Many 5G carriers operate their networks on low-band frequencies to prioritize coverage. Low-band frequencies have better range, but the resulting internet speeds are nearly the same or only slightly faster than 4G LTE.
2. Network Congestion
Network congestion is a common occurrence in densely populated areas during peak hours. When too many heavy internet users are connected to the same 5G cell station simultaneously, available bandwidth is thinned out, and everyone receives slower speeds.
3. Distance from Towers & Obstructions
High-band 5G signals don’t travel long distances and aren’t good at penetrating obstacles. Bulky physical barriers such as thick walls and other environmental factors like bad weather may cause signal interference, which significantly limits or degrades performance.
4. Carrier Throttling & Data Management
Unlimited 5G plans may deprioritize speeds after reaching a limit specified in “fair data usage policies”. This means heavy internet users may experience throttling after exhausting their quota of high-speed data for the month.
5. Device Limitations
Many older devices are either incompatible with 5G or lack full 5G band support, which causes performance issues. You may need to optimize your phone/computer settings for 5G connectivity or entirely replace it with a newer model.
6. Switching Between 4G & 5G Networks
Mobile internet speeds vary by location, as your device tends to switch between 4G and 5G networks. This happens because 5G cell stations may not be available in certain areas or you’re too far away to catch a strong signal; hence, your phone will connect to a nearby 4G cell tower instead.
5G Network Speed — Real World vs Theoretical
Theoretically, 5G can achieve speeds as high as 10 – 20 Gbps, yet that’s not what we witness in the real world. This is because those speeds are predicted under “perfect conditions”.
The performance of 5G in the real world is limited by several factors, such as the weather, network congestion, distance from cell stations, physical barriers, signal interference, and so on.
While the speeds advertised by 5G carriers are close to the practical numbers, they too vary by location and changing environmental factors. Despite the inconsistency, 5G is still considered a fairly reliable internet option.
How to Fix Slow 5G — Practical Tips & Tricks
Whenever your 5G Internet speeds don’t feel right, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
1. Test Your Speed First
It’s best to rule out internet issues from your provider’s side before you turn to fixes at your end. Run a quick speed test online to see what download and upload speeds you are receiving. If the displayed speeds are exceptionally low, you must contact your provider and report the problem.
2. Restart or Reset Network
If the results of the speed test suggest that everything is fine from the provider’s side, you may begin troubleshooting at your end. Start with a simple reboot of your internet device, as it helps reset the network and resolve common glitches.
3. Optimize Device Settings
Sometimes our computing devices are set to data-saver or low-power mode. The internet’s performance automatically goes down in these modes, as the device prioritizes battery-saving or blocks certain processes and applications; turning off these modes will restore optimal performance.
4. Update Your Device & Firmware
Keeping your devices up-to-date is vital to maintain network performance and security, so don’t keep your updates pending. Sometimes manual installation is required for updating device firmware; once you take care of that, you unlock better band usage and improve speeds.
5. Improve Signal Reception
5G signals are prone to interference from physical obstacles, weather conditions, electromagnetic radiation, etc. Therefore, moving closer to a window or going outside may drastically improve signal reception. In case of 5G Home Internet, try adjusting the antenna or moving closer to the Wi-Fi router.
6. Use Boosters or External Antennas
In case poor signal reception is a frequent problem, you should consider getting a 5G signal booster; this is an external antenna that can be fixed on a building (home/office) or vehicle to amplify 5G signals and improve range.
7. Choose Better Network Plans or Providers
Sometimes the fault lies in your carrier choice, and your plan tier matters too. Perhaps your chosen carrier doesn’t have good 5G coverage in your area, or your chosen plan isn’t compatible with your internet needs. To conclude, you may have to upgrade your plan or switch to a better service.
Unhappy with your current internet service?
Ditch the freeloader and sign up for high-speed 5G connectivity you want and deserve!
Discover & Compare the Best 5G Home Internet Providers Near You
FAQs
Why does 5G slow down at night?
5G internet may slow down during the night due to network congestion. Nighttime overlaps with internet rush hours, which means a high density of users and high-bandwidth activities on the network.
Is slow 5G a sign of bad coverage?
Yes, slow 5G can be a sign of poor coverage in your area. However, most of the time, slow 5G speeds are the result of network congestion or signal interference.
Does 5G cost more for better speed?
Typically, premium-tier internet plans that cost more give you higher speeds, but that’s not always the case with 5G data or home internet plans. You may have to pay more for unlimited data or a higher-speed data limit.
Why is 5G Internet slower than expected?
5G Internet seems slower than expected because practical speeds are usually much lower than the advertised speeds.
How can I fix slow 5G Home Internet?
You may fix slow 5G Home Internet using these tips and tricks:
- Restart your gateway (modem + router) to reset your network
- Relocate the gateway to an unobstructed and elevated spot
- Remove idle devices from the network to reduce congestion
- Improve Wi-Fi coverage using extenders or a mesh system
- Switch to an Ethernet connection
