When phones began showing the “5GE” icon, everyone got excited for faster internet. But many found it slower and frustrating instead. Experts say that AT&T’s “5GE” isn’t real 5G. It’s just rebranded 4G LTE technology.
True 5G and 5GE speeds are very different. Even though 5GE promises better speed, it often falls short. It’s not as fast as some 4G LTE networks. This has left people feeling let down, as they expected a 5G revolution. Now, they understand why 5GE is so slow.
Understanding 5GE: What Is 5GE and How Does It Differ from 5G?
In 2018, AT&T introduced 5GE, which stands for 5G Evolution. This caused excitement and confusion for many people. It’s not a real 5G network. Instead, it’s an upgrade of the 4G LTE technology, known as LTE-A. This step is part of a bigger plan. Carriers use it to make it seem like their networks are better, without major changes.
The Definition and Marketing Strategy Behind 5GE
5GE is basically a new name for LTE-A technology. It’s a marketing tool that makes it seem as advanced as 5G. 5GE is better than standard 4G. It promises faster data and more capacity. But it can’t do what a real 5G network can. Many people think they’re getting 5G with 5GE, but that’s not the case.
Comparing 5GE and True 5G
When we look at 5GE and 5G, the differences are clear. Real 5G is a big step forward in cell technology. It brings things like better communication for devices, lower delay, and access to more RF spectrum. These improvements are meant for stuff like IoT. They support super-fast download speeds and very low latency. On the other hand, 5GE can only offer speeds up to 1 Gbps and slightly higher latency.
Why Carriers Branded LTE-A as 5GE
Why did carriers call LTE-A technology 5GE? It’s about cost and their position in the market. True 5G needs big upgrades and new equipment, which costs a lot. By calling it 5GE, carriers, like AT&T, can up their game without spending too much. It’s a way to keep customers happy for now, until real 5G is everywhere. This approach eases people into 5G without big investments right away.
Technical Limitations: Why Is 5GE So Slow
The term “5GE” suggests it’s very fast, almost like 5G. However, the truth is often disappointing. There are many technical reasons behind this. Knowing these reasons can explain why 5GE doesn’t meet your expectations.
Network Architecture: The Role of Non-Standalone (NSA) Infrastructure
5GE’s performance is majorly impacted by its dependence on Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture. This means it uses the old *4G LTE infrastructure*. So, it can’t use all the benefits of a true 5G network. This reliance results in slower speeds than you might hope for with 5G.
Lack of New Hardware: Utilizing Existing 4G LTE Networks
The lack of new hardware is another big problem. 5GE uses the old *4G LTE networks* instead of getting new equipment. This approach speeds up the rollout but limits how much better it can perform. Essentially, it’s a version of 5G with handcuffs, unable to surpass the *4G LTE infrastructure* by much.
Real-World Performance: Speed Tests and User Experiences
Exploring 5GE’s real-world performance shows it often doesn’t meet expectations compared to LTE and true 5G. Users share mixed feelings about 5GE. They range from being happy in some situations to being upset about slow speeds and inconsistency.
Comparative Speed Tests: 5GE Versus LTE and True 5G
Speed tests sometimes show LTE doing better than 5GE. For example, average 4G download speeds in the U.S. are about 35 Mbps. Yet, in places like Silicon Valley, 4G smartphones can hit speeds of 120-135 Mbps. 5GE often can’t match these rates.
In contrast, true 5G, especially with mmWave technology, gives much faster speeds. Sprint’s mid-band 5G gets average speeds around 200 Mbps, with highs over 600 Mbps. Verizon and AT&T’s mmWave tech can hit peak speeds up to 1.8 Gbps. That’s way faster than the average US 4G speeds.
This shows a big gap in performance. True 5G networks provide a significant speed boost that 5GE just can’t match all the time.
User Frustrations: Common Issues Reported by 5GE Users
Users have mixed experiences with 5GE. They often face typical mobile network problems like slow speeds and unreliable connections. Common complaints include trouble downloading emails, issues loading social media, and problems streaming music. These issues disappoint users who expected better from 5GE.
Also, users often notice 5GE’s real-world performance isn’t as good as promised. Sometimes, early 5G services on lower frequencies are no better than improved 4G LTE. This leads to users feeling let down.
While 5GE does offer some upgrades, it shows the need for stronger 5G solutions to truly meet today’s connectivity needs.
Future of 5G Networks: What’s Ahead for 5GE and Standalone 5G
5G technology is set to change our digital world in big ways. A major move is towards the standalone 5G system. This system doesn’t need old 4G LTE networks to work. It uses full 5G power, which outweighs the current 5G’s abilities.
Standalone 5G improves network slicing, which is key for the Internet of Things (IoT). With this, one physical network splits into several virtual ones, each for a specific use. This boosts performance and reliability for smart devices, at home and in big industries.
While 5GE develops, upgrades from 4G LTE will keep happening. T-Mobile and Sprint are ahead in cities, with top 5G speeds. They aim for 97% coverage in the U.S. in three years.
But, rural areas might lag behind. According to Open Signal, 5G in these areas is much slower than in cities. Verizon and T-Mobile focus on crowded places first, repeating the pattern seen with 4G/LTE. It took about three years for 4G/LTE to become widely used.
Experts believe standalone 5G will greatly improve speed and response times. Standalone 5G could reach over 3Gbps in downloads. It also aims for 30 bits/Hz in downlink spectral efficiency. This enhances data transmission, using the radio spectrum from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
The future of 5G technology is bright, especially with standalone systems. We’re not just talking faster speeds. We’re seeing stronger, more flexible networks that will lead to new tech breakthroughs.
Conclusion
When we talk about 5GE and 5G, there’s a lot left to want from mobile connectivity. AT&T’s 5GE, meant to be a better LTE, hasn’t lived up to expectations. This has led to user frustration. Plus, there’s huge excitement for 5G’s potential to change many sectors, like healthcare and cars.
Carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are making big moves in improving their 5G setups. T-Mobile is ahead with 5G in over 71.1% of the U.S., also having the fastest 5G speed. The focus on next-gen connectivity means aiming for quick, reliable services for crucial uses. As 5G grows, features like Massive MIMO and peak speeds up to 20 Gbps will be key.
It’s important for telecoms to be honest about what their networks can do. With a global 5G spend of $265 billion a year coming up, and big economic and job boosts expected, real 5G networks look promising. Carriers must stay clear and innovative to lead us into a future of fast and smooth mobile access.
