Explained: What is 5G, How fast it is and What users need to know

5G network: Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the rollout of 5G services in the country at the India Mobile Congress 2022. After the announcement, all major telecom operators and leading mobile handset players have confirmed that they are working closely to release necessary 5G software updates and services by year-end. 

While major telecom operators, including, Bharti Airtel has started rolling out 5G services in India in a phased manner, all smartphone brands including Apple and Samsung recently confirmed the roll out of 5G-enabled services via an over-the-air (OTA) update on smartphones in coming months. If you are waiting to use the 5G services on your mobile phones, this article might help you to understand all about 5G. 

What is 5G? 

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices. It has the potential to bring together the entire ecosystem and online gaming, augmented/virtual reality (AR-VR) experience, along with content creation.

"5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries," a semiconductor company Qualcomm explained. 

How fast 5G is?  

According to a report by Ookla, the US-based mobile and network testing firm, the 5G download speeds hit 500 Mbps on 5G test networks in India, with highest speeds at over 800 Mbps. It can be significantly faster than 4G, delivering up to 20 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) peak data rates and 100+ Megabits-per-second (Mbps) average data rates. 5G has more potential than 4G.

5G Network: All you need to know

All major smartphone brands including Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and others are ready for the latest mobile network. Telecom operators like Bharti Airtel has launched Airtel 5G Plus service  in eight cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Siliguri, Varanasi, and Nagpur. Airtel users who have a 5G-enabled smartphone will be able to use the latest network on their existing data plans until the rollout is completed.

The company said that 5G would be available on its network in all urban areas of the country by the 2023-end. Airtel had also said that it will roll out 5G services nationwide by March 2024. Airtel users, who have a 5G enabled phone can use 5G in the cities mentioned above. You need a 5G-enabled handset in your pocket to enjoy high-speed internet to stream movies or play games.  You do not need a new SIM, users can activate 5G on an existing SIM card. Also, can access the 5G network only if one is in a 5G-supported location and has a 5G smartphone.

Airtel India said that customers who have 5G smartphones will enjoy the high speed Airtel 5G Plus on their existing data plans until the roll out is more widespread.  Airtel 5G Plus provides speed that are up to 30x faster than the Airtel 4G.

According to Airtel, a 4G SIM can work in 5G-powered phones. "To enjoy the 5G network to its maximum potential, you would be required to have a 5G SIM with a 5G phone. Despite all that, your 4G SIM will surely provide you with better connectivity and transmission when used with 5G phones," according to the company. You must have a device that is compatible with 5G networks.