What Is 5G Home Internet? The Wireless Internet Solution, Explained
Updated June 6, 2024 at 4:28 pm
If you’re on the market for a new internet provider, you’ve likely come across 5G home internet. The term may be confusing because 5G technology is commonly referred to in the context of mobile devices. So, what is 5G home internet?
In this guide, we cover the basics of 5G Internet, how it works and its pros and cons. We also break down who should consider 5G home internet so you can decide if this budding wireless internet technology is right for you.
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Vault’s Viewpoint
- 5G technology uses a higher frequency spectrum to deliver wireless home internet at higher speeds and lower latency than its 4G predecessor.
- It tends to be easier to install than wired internet, offers no-contract plans and can be cheaper than wired internet.
- 5G home internet isn’t available everywhere, and its speeds are affected by physical obstructions and inclement weather—making it less accessible and less reliable than wired connections.
What Is 5G Home Internet?
5G refers to the fifth generation of the wireless network technology created to deliver faster wireless connections to mobile devices. In 2018, Verizon was the first to expand this technology into 5G internet, piloting the service with select consumers in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Other mobile providers and internet service providers (ISPs) would soon follow in Verizon’s footsteps, expanding 5G home internet availability to more regions across the United States. 5G technology is unique because it can access unused radio frequencies at the high end of the spectrum to create faster connections with more devices.
5G at Home: How Does 5G Internet Work?
5G home internet works similarly to satellite internet in that you need to install a receiver in or outside your home to acquire the 5G signal. However, with 5G home internet, your signal doesn’t travel all the way to space and back—it comes from nearby cell towers and small-cell base stations. Depending on your setup, you may also need a modem, Wi-Fi mesh router system, or a conventional router to convert the signal into a 5G Wi-Fi network.
5G surpasses its predecessors with its ability to operate on a new high-frequency spectrum known as millimeter wave (mmWave). The wavelengths on mmWave can operate between 30-300GHz, a significant leap from the previous 4G LTE’s wavelengths of under 6GHz.
On the flip side, the mmWave signal doesn’t travel as far as lower-frequency signals and has trouble with obstructions, requiring multiple small-cell base stations to cover large service areas. That’s why 5G Wi-Fi isn’t available in all regions and may be slow to expand. If you live in an area with limited internet options, see our roundup of the best rural internet providers.
Advantages of 5G Home Internet
Below are top reasons you might want to explore getting 5G at home.
- Speeds up to 1Gbps depending on the provider and your location, with the possibility for faster speeds as the technology develops
- Improved connections with more simultaneously connected devices
- Lower latency (lag) than 4G for a more responsive internet experience
- Installation tends to be easier than wired internet since no physical cable connections are necessary
- Discounts for bundling 5G home internet with your mobile plan
- New customer perks like no data limits and no long-term contracts
Disadvantages of 5G Home Internet
5G internet is still a developing technology, and it isn’t the best option for everyone. Here are some of its disadvantages.
- Availability is still limited to mostly highly populated cities.
- Receivers need an unobstructed path to 5G cell towers to perform the best. You may need to install an antenna on your roof or place your receiver in a window to get the best signal.
- Speeds are affected by network traffic, so you may experience slow-downs as 5G internet is adopted more or during peak usage times in your area.
- Potentially less secure than other types of internet, like fiber
Who Is 5G Home Internet Best for?
Since 5G home internet is limited in its availability, those who live in areas with good, reliable cell service and—most importantly—5G coverage are the best candidates.
Remote workers who live in cities can benefit from the convenience of accessing the 5G network both at home and via mobile hotspots (as long as they have the right mobile device to create the hotspot).
5G home internet generally does not require long-term contracts. If you move frequently or aren’t sure how long you’ll need internet service, you can pick up a no-contract 5G plan and quit it when you need to without being charged expensive fees. Big-name providers like Verizon will even give you long-term price guarantees if you activate auto-pay, giving you the benefits of a long-term contract without the commitment.
5G home internet is also fairly cost-effective, so it’s great for users on a budget. You can get basic 5G home internet plans with speeds from 40Mbps-300Mbps for as low as $35-$40 per month, with the right promotions or bundles. Plus, unlike many wired internet connections such as fiber, you can install the internet connection yourself rather than paying for a professional installation service.
Who Shouldn’t Get 5G Home Internet?
5G home internet’s primary downfall (outside of its limited availability) is its reliability compared to wired connections. While 5G Wi-Fi connections are fast (all the way up to 1Gbps in some areas), they can be inconsistent. Since the 5G internet signal travels through the air, physical obstructions and even inclement weather can slow internet speeds.
Also, 5G home internet speeds currently cap off at 1Gbps. This is sufficient for most people, but power users like gamers or video streamers may need more. Fiber and cable internet may offer a better combination of high download and upload speeds and low latency.
So if you need the fastest speeds, most responsive service and most reliable connection, 5G home internet isn’t your best option (at least for now).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G Home Internet Available for Me?
If you want to see whether 5G Wi-Fi is available for you, reference the following 3G/4G/5G coverage map by choosing a carrier from the drop-down list and finding your region on the map. Areas covered with 5G services should be highlighted in purple on the map. Alternatively, you can check with individual providers by calling or entering your zip code on their sites.
Is 5G Faster Than My Home Internet?
5G home internet provides one of the fastest home internet connections on the market with speeds currently maxing out around 1Gbps. Depending on your current home internet speed, 5G may be faster and cheaper. However, 5G Wi-Fi speeds can be unreliable because its radio waves are affected by factors like weather and physical obstructions.
Can I Take My 5G Home Internet Anywhere?
If you have the right mobile device, you may also access 5G internet remotely via a hotspot—given you are in an area covered by your provider’s 5G mobile network. If you’re planning on traveling and bringing your internet with you, contact your 5G home internet provider for authorization and to ensure it covers that area. This also applies if you plan on moving your permanent address.
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