AT&T 5G Vs 5G+: Understanding The Difference

AT&T is expanding the availability of its 5G network while also starting to make its 5G+ network available to consumers. Here’s a brief explanation of why AT&T has two different 5G services and the differences between them.

5G is in the process of slowing becoming more accessible in the US with carriers routinely adding new cities, or in some cases, parts of cities. The speed of the rollout is not something that’s specific to the US, with a similarly inconsistent, but increasing, pattern taking place at the global 5G level. However, not all 5G versions are equal, and this not only applies to the differences between countries, cities, or even carriers, but in some cases, the difference between services offered by the same carrier.

In a recent press release, AT&T confirmed it is widening its 5G network by lightning up another 22 markets. In total, this will bring the overall number of AT&T 5G markets in the US to 80. At the same time, AT&T also announced that its 5G+ network is going live for customers in parts of 35 US cities. Previously, the company’s 5G+ service was only available to business customers, making this the first time consumers have gained access.

The Differences Between AT&T’s 5G and 5G+

Generally speaking, AT&T touts both of these 5G services as being of equal benefit, although that’s not strictly true. When thinking in terms of the promise of 5G, many will be expecting 5G+ and not the standard 5G. Essentially, AT&T’s vanilla 5G service is what’s been rolling out ever since the company announced its first 5G location. It is 5G, but barely, as it relies solely on the use of low-band spectrum. This makes it less ideal for faster speeds, but also better at delivering a more reliable signal, and especially over distance. In other words, consumers should view AT&T’s 5G as an upgrade compared to current 4G LTE, but a limited upgrade.

In contrast, 5G+ is much closer to what people will expect from 5G, and the reason it is considered better is its use of millimeter wave. Unlike low-band spectrum, millimeter wave is capable of delivering significantly faster speeds to consumers. However, it is hampered by distance, and it also does not do so well with objects in the way. That said, with the right phone, consumers will be able to take advantage of both as the device will be able to bounce between low-band and millimeter wave, as and when needed. Although, that highlights the other issue with AT&T’s better network, as 5G+ is not as widely available as the company’s standard 5G network. Another caveat is that device compatibility is equally as limited at the moment. In fact, AT&T appears to only now be making its 5G+ network available to consumers due to the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S20. After all, this is the only 5G smartphone AT&T sells that can make use of its 5G+ network.

Source: AT&T

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John Finn
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John Finn is a technology editor and writer for Screen Rant. John has been covering technology since 2014 and focuses on where tech meets the movie and TV industry. A Psychology graduate from England who now lives in the US, John previously worked in the aviation industry as an airline reviewer. You can find John on Twitter (@J_Finns) or contact directly at john [at] screenrant [dot] com.

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