The advent of 5G technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and enjoy entertainment on the go. As the two largest wireless carriers in the United States, AT&T and Verizon have been at the forefront of 5G adoption, each touting their network as the fastest and most reliable. But which one truly delivers? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 5G, exploring the key differences between AT&T and Verizon’s networks, and examining the data to determine which one comes out on top in terms of speed.
Understanding 5G Technology
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s essential to understand the basics of 5G technology. 5G, or fifth-generation wireless, is a wireless network standard designed to provide faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity than its predecessors. 5G operates on three main frequency bands:
- Low-band (sub-1 GHz): Offers wide coverage but slower speeds
- Mid-band (1-6 GHz): Provides a balance between coverage and speed
- High-band (mmWave, 24 GHz and above): Delivers the fastest speeds but has limited range
AT&T’s 5G Network
AT&T’s 5G network, dubbed “5G+,” utilizes a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-band frequencies to provide widespread coverage and fast speeds. AT&T’s 5G+ network is available in over 14,000 cities and towns across the United States, covering more than 250 million people.
- Low-band: AT&T uses its low-band spectrum to provide 5G coverage to rural areas and smaller towns.
- Mid-band: AT&T’s mid-band spectrum, acquired through the FCC’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) auction, offers faster speeds and better capacity in urban areas.
- High-band: AT&T’s high-band mmWave spectrum provides the fastest 5G speeds, with peak rates reaching up to 2 Gbps.
Verizon’s 5G Network
Verizon’s 5G network, known as “5G Ultra Wideband,” relies heavily on its high-band mmWave spectrum to deliver fast speeds and low latency. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is available in over 1,700 cities and towns, covering more than 100 million people.
- High-band: Verizon’s high-band mmWave spectrum provides the fastest 5G speeds, with peak rates reaching up to 4 Gbps.
- Mid-band: Verizon’s mid-band spectrum, acquired through the FCC’s CBRS auction, offers faster speeds and better capacity in urban areas.
- Low-band: Verizon uses its low-band spectrum to provide 5G coverage to rural areas and smaller towns.
Speed Comparison
So, which network is faster? To determine this, we’ll examine the results of various speed tests conducted by reputable sources, including OpenSignal, PCMag, and RootMetrics.
- OpenSignal’s 2022 5G State of the Mobile Union Report: AT&T’s 5G network delivered average download speeds of 183.05 Mbps, while Verizon’s 5G network reached average download speeds of 148.6 Mbps.
- PCMag’s 2022 Fastest Mobile Networks: AT&T’s 5G network achieved average download speeds of 241.9 Mbps, while Verizon’s 5G network reached average download speeds of 204.1 Mbps.
- RootMetrics’ 2022 1st Half US National RootScore Report: AT&T’s 5G network delivered average download speeds of 221.1 Mbps, while Verizon’s 5G network reached average download speeds of 193.1 Mbps.
While the results vary, AT&T’s 5G network appears to have a slight edge in terms of speed, with average download speeds ranging from 183.05 Mbps to 241.9 Mbps. Verizon’s 5G network, on the other hand, delivered average download speeds ranging from 148.6 Mbps to 204.1 Mbps.
Latency Comparison
Latency, or the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the network and back, is another critical aspect of 5G performance. Lower latency means a more responsive and seamless user experience.
- OpenSignal’s 2022 5G State of the Mobile Union Report: AT&T’s 5G network had an average latency of 31.1 ms, while Verizon’s 5G network had an average latency of 34.1 ms.
- PCMag’s 2022 Fastest Mobile Networks: AT&T’s 5G network achieved an average latency of 28.1 ms, while Verizon’s 5G network had an average latency of 31.4 ms.
- RootMetrics’ 2022 1st Half US National RootScore Report: AT&T’s 5G network delivered an average latency of 29.1 ms, while Verizon’s 5G network had an average latency of 32.1 ms.
In terms of latency, AT&T’s 5G network appears to have a slight advantage, with average latency ranging from 28.1 ms to 31.1 ms. Verizon’s 5G network, on the other hand, had average latency ranging from 31.4 ms to 34.1 ms.
Conclusion
While both AT&T and Verizon offer fast and reliable 5G networks, the data suggests that AT&T’s 5G network has a slight edge in terms of speed and latency. However, it’s essential to note that 5G performance can vary greatly depending on your location, device, and other factors.
When choosing between AT&T and Verizon, consider the following:
- Coverage: AT&T’s 5G network covers more areas, including rural regions.
- Speed: AT&T’s 5G network appears to be slightly faster, with average download speeds ranging from 183.05 Mbps to 241.9 Mbps.
- Latency: AT&T’s 5G network has lower latency, with average latency ranging from 28.1 ms to 31.1 ms.
- Pricing: Compare the pricing plans and promotions offered by both carriers to determine which one best fits your needs and budget.
Ultimately, the decision between AT&T and Verizon depends on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to research and compare the two carriers’ 5G networks in your area before making a decision.
What are the key differences between AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks?
The main difference between AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks lies in their infrastructure and technology. AT&T 5G uses a mix of low-band and millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, while Verizon 5G relies heavily on mmWave spectrum. This difference in spectrum usage affects the coverage and speed of the two networks. AT&T’s low-band spectrum provides wider coverage, including rural areas, but with slower speeds. On the other hand, Verizon’s mmWave spectrum offers faster speeds, but its coverage is limited to urban areas.
In terms of speed, Verizon’s mmWave-based 5G network has been shown to offer faster download speeds, often exceeding 1 Gbps. However, AT&T’s low-band 5G network provides more consistent speeds across different areas, including rural regions. Additionally, AT&T has been aggressively expanding its 5G network, aiming to cover more areas with its low-band spectrum. Verizon, on the other hand, has focused on deploying its mmWave spectrum in high-traffic areas, such as cities and stadiums. Ultimately, the choice between AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G depends on individual needs and priorities, including coverage, speed, and device compatibility.
How do AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks compare in terms of coverage?
AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks have different coverage footprints, reflecting their distinct approaches to 5G deployment. AT&T has focused on deploying its low-band 5G network, which provides wider coverage, including rural areas. As a result, AT&T’s 5G network covers more areas, including over 80% of the US population. Verizon, on the other hand, has concentrated on deploying its mmWave-based 5G network in urban areas, resulting in more limited coverage. However, Verizon’s 5G network is available in many major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Despite the differences in coverage, both AT&T and Verizon continue to expand their 5G networks. AT&T aims to cover more than 90% of the US population with its low-band 5G network, while Verizon plans to deploy its mmWave-based 5G network in more cities and areas. It’s essential for consumers to check the coverage in their area before choosing between AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G. Additionally, both carriers offer 5G coverage maps on their websites, allowing users to check the availability of 5G services in their area. By considering coverage, speed, and other factors, consumers can make an informed decision about which 5G network best suits their needs.
What are the typical download speeds for AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks?
The typical download speeds for AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks vary depending on the location and type of spectrum used. AT&T’s low-band 5G network typically offers download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 200 Mbps, while its mmWave-based 5G network can reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Verizon’s mmWave-based 5G network, on the other hand, often exceeds 1 Gbps, with some users reporting speeds of over 2 Gbps. However, these speeds are typically available in limited areas, such as urban hotspots and stadiums.
In real-world tests, AT&T’s 5G network has consistently delivered download speeds of around 100-150 Mbps, while Verizon’s 5G network has often reached speeds of 500-700 Mbps. However, it’s essential to note that these speeds can vary significantly depending on the location, time of day, and number of users on the network. Additionally, both carriers are continually optimizing and expanding their 5G networks, which may lead to improved speeds and performance over time. As 5G technology continues to evolve, consumers can expect faster speeds and more reliable connections from both AT&T and Verizon.
Do AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks support all 5G devices?
AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks support a wide range of 5G devices, but there are some differences in compatibility. AT&T’s 5G network supports devices that use low-band and mmWave spectrum, including popular models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 13. Verizon’s 5G network, on the other hand, primarily supports devices that use mmWave spectrum, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Google Pixel 6 Pro. However, Verizon also offers a limited selection of devices that support its low-band 5G network.
It’s crucial for consumers to check the compatibility of their device with the chosen 5G network before signing up for service. Both AT&T and Verizon provide lists of supported 5G devices on their websites, making it easier for users to verify compatibility. Additionally, many newer devices support both low-band and mmWave spectrum, ensuring seamless connectivity across different 5G networks. As the 5G ecosystem continues to grow, consumers can expect more devices to become available, offering greater flexibility and choice when selecting a 5G network and device.
How do AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks handle latency and congestion?
AT&T 5G and Verizon 5G networks employ various techniques to manage latency and congestion. AT&T uses a combination of network slicing and edge computing to reduce latency and improve performance. Network slicing allows AT&T to allocate dedicated resources to specific applications and services, ensuring low latency and high priority for critical traffic. Edge computing, on the other hand, enables AT&T to process data closer to the user, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.
Verizon also uses network slicing and edge computing to manage latency and congestion on its 5G network. Additionally, Verizon has implemented a technology called “5G Ultra Wideband,” which uses mmWave spectrum to provide low-latency connections and high-bandwidth applications. Verizon’s 5G network is designed to handle high-traffic scenarios, such as crowded cities and stadiums, by dynamically allocating resources and prioritizing critical traffic. Both AT&T and Verizon continue to optimize their 5G networks to minimize latency and congestion, ensuring a seamless user experience for their customers.
Can I use my existing phone plan with AT&T 5G or Verizon 5G?
In most cases, existing phone plans can be used with AT&T 5G or Verizon 5G, but there may be some limitations and requirements. AT&T and Verizon offer various 5G plans, including unlimited data options, which can be added to existing accounts. However, some older plans may not be compatible with 5G networks, or they may require a plan upgrade to access 5G services. It’s essential to check with the carrier to determine the compatibility of the existing plan with their 5G network.
If an existing plan is not compatible with 5G, users may need to upgrade to a new plan or add a 5G feature to their current plan. Both AT&T and Verizon offer a range of 5G plans, including options with unlimited data, international coverage, and additional features like streaming and cloud storage. When upgrading to a 5G plan, users should consider their data usage, coverage needs, and budget to choose the best option for their needs. Additionally, both carriers often offer promotions and discounts for new and existing customers, which can help reduce the cost of upgrading to a 5G plan.