What is 5G Home Internet? Everything you need to know

If you're frustrated with your internet service provider (ISP), live in a rural area or an area without many ISP options, 5G home internet may be an alternative. More and more mobile carriers are now offering 5G home internet packages. Some mobile carriers even offer a discount if you purchase (or bundle) 5G home internet through them, too.

Keep in mind that, unlike 5G cellular service, 5G home internet only works at a fixed location, so you can’t take it on the go like 5G cellular service.

5G home internet isn't as widely available as broadband. This is because 5G home internet was introduced around 2021, making it much newer than other, more established broadband services.

Here's everything you need to know about 5G home internet, the pros and cons and if it's a viable option for you.

What is 5G home internet?

You likely already have 5G internet via your cell phone. 5G cellular service connects your mobile phone to your phone provider's towers. With 5G home internet, you'll need a router and modem to have a wireless 5G connection.

5G stands for "fifth generation" of wireless technology. It's faster than 4G and 3G.

What are the pros and cons of 5G home internet?

Like other types of internet connections, 5G internet has various pros and cons that make it suitable for certain households, but not every scenario. For example, 5G home internet has lower latency and increased bandwidth compared to DSL or satellite internet. 5G download speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to 1 GB. If you need speeds over that, you're better off with cable or fiber internet.

Here's the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Unlimited data
• Mobile service bundle options
• No contracts

Cons

• No multi-gig internet options
• Potential speed instability
• Price variations

The main thing to consider is how many devices you have in your home that you use simultaneously. If you live in a fully integrated smart home or super-connected home with a multitude of devices, 5G may not be fast enough.

What makes 5G home internet different?

Here are the ways that 5G differs from traditional broadband providers.

• Connection: 5G home internet is a fixed wireless connection that uses radio waves at varying frequencies to transmit data. 
• Fewer wires: 5G is not a hard-wired service. For a 5G connection, the modem only needs to plug into an electrical outlet. You'll need a router for wireless connection.
• Easy installation: Because it only requires a router and modem, installation is pretty simple.
• Bundle deals: You may be able to bundle your mobile service with 5G home internet for a discount.
• Flexible payments: Both Verizon and T-Mobile offer prepaid internet plans in addition to their standard no-contract internet packages. 

How fast is 5G internet?

5G internet speeds vary by provider and plan. For example, T-Mobile 5G home internet has two plans:

• Rely home internet: Download speeds of 133 to 415 Mbps.
• Amplified home internet: Download speeds of 133 to 415 Mbps.

Verizon 5G and AT&T also offer their own 5G home internet plans with varying speeds.

Should you get 5G internet at home?

The type of internet you should purchase depends on your online activities. Consider how you use your devices and how many you have.

If you only:

• Have one to five devices and are a light user: You likely only need speeds of 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps
• Have six to ten devices and work remotely, stream and game: You likely only need speeds of 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps

If you need speeds of 1 GB or more, 5G probably isn't the best option for you.

Where is 5G home internet available?

5G internet is one of the fastest-growing internet connections thanks to the ease of establishing service. Since 5G doesn’t require lines, 5G home internet providers can broaden their service areas by building cell towers. 

Still, 5G home internet is more limited than cable and other connection types due to having had significantly less time on the market. When you go to a provider's website, you can typically enter your address to see if 5G plans are offered in your area.

How reliable is 5G home internet?

Everyone wants a reliable internet speed, and it can be frustrating when your connection is unstable or inconsistent. 5G home internet speed can vary depending on your proximity to the nearest cell tower and the placement of your router, but those aren’t the only factors to consider.

Here’s what you need to know about what might impact 5G internet: 

• The number of 5G subscribers in your area impacts 5G internet speeds.
• Congestion can impact 5G internet speeds. You may experience slower speeds when more people are online.
• Fiber internet will perform better than 5G because it is a dedicated connection that doesn’t divide bandwidth across multiple locations. 
• Compared to 5G cell service, a 5G home internet service can deliver faster, more reliable speeds. But remember, 5G home internet only works at the address you registered it to. Unlike 5G cell service, you need to connect to a modem and router.

Frequently asked questions

What does 5G mean?

5G stands for "fifth generation" of wireless technology. This is the most current and fastest wireless connection available.

Is 5G the same as 5GHz?

No, they are not the same. 5G means the generation of wireless technology. GHz, or gigahertz, is a measurement of frequency in Wi-Fi networks.

How does 5G home internet work?

5G home internet establishes a wireless network in your home using signals from nearby cell towers. To get wireless connection, you need a provider, modem and router.

How fast is 5G home internet?

5G home internet speeds depend on the provider and plan. You may be able to get up to 1 GB depending on the provider.

Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe and Hannah Whatley, Allconnect