Why Is 5G Slower Than 4G LTE? Here’s the Truth!

telcomatraining.com – The rollout of 5G networks has been one of the most talked-about technological advancements in recent years. With promises of lightning-fast speeds and enhanced connectivity, many users were excited to make the leap from 4G LTE to 5G. However, some users have reported that their 5G connections are slower than their 4G LTE counterparts, leaving many confused and frustrated. If you’re wondering why 5G may be slower than 4G LTE in some situations, read on. We’ll break down the truth behind the performance of 5G and its current limitations.

Understanding the Basics of 5G and 4G LTE

Before diving into the reasons why 5G may sometimes be slower than 4G LTE, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between the two technologies.

4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the fourth generation of mobile network technology. It provided substantial improvements over 3G, offering faster speeds and better overall network performance. LTE networks support download speeds of up to 1Gbps, though most users experience speeds in the range of 15 to 40 Mbps.

5G, on the other hand, is the fifth generation of mobile networks and was designed to offer speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G LTE. It also promises lower latency, more reliable connections, and better capacity to handle the ever-growing demand for data. However, these high-speed capabilities depend on the availability of specific conditions and network infrastructure.

Key Reasons Why 5G Can Be Slower Than 4G LTE

While 5G is expected to revolutionize mobile connectivity, there are several factors that can cause 5G to perform slower than 4G LTE in certain situations.

1. Limited 5G Coverage

One of the most significant factors that affect 5G speed is coverage. Unlike 4G LTE, which is widely available across the globe, 5G networks are still in the process of being rolled out. In many areas, especially rural or less developed locations, 5G infrastructure has not yet been fully deployed. In these cases, your phone might switch to 4G LTE because there’s no 5G signal available. Even in urban areas, 5G coverage can be spotty, and not all 5G towers are capable of providing peak speeds.

2. Types of 5G Networks

Not all 5G networks are created equal. There are three primary types of 5G technology:

• Low-band 5G (Sub-6GHz): This type of 5G offers a broader range and better coverage, similar to 4G LTE. However, its speeds are not dramatically faster than 4G LTE and can sometimes be slower, especially if the network is congested.
• Mid-band 5G: Offering faster speeds than low-band 5G, this type of 5G is becoming more widely available. However, it still struggles to reach the speeds promised by the higher frequency mmWave technology.
• High-band 5G (mmWave): This is the ultra-fast 5G that promises lightning speeds, but its coverage is limited, and the signals do not travel well through obstacles such as buildings or even trees. If your device is in an area without mmWave support, it may experience slower speeds.

3. Network Congestion

Another issue that can slow down 5G is network congestion. Just like 4G LTE, 5G networks can become congested when too many devices are connected to the same tower or cell. This congestion leads to slower speeds, and depending on the location, the performance may be lower than that of 4G LTE, especially in densely populated areas or during peak usage times.

4. Device Compatibility

For a user to experience the full speed benefits of 5G, their device must be compatible with the latest 5G technology. Older smartphones or devices may not support 5G and will continue to use 4G LTE. Even some newer devices may not be able to access the full range of 5G networks, particularly if they are limited to low-band or mid-band 5G. Therefore, having the right hardware is essential for achieving the best 5G speeds.

5. Environmental Interference

Environmental factors such as building materials, weather, and physical obstacles can affect the performance of 5G networks. High-frequency signals, particularly those used in mmWave 5G, are more easily blocked by walls and other obstacles, resulting in slower speeds or a complete lack of connection. On the other hand, 4G LTE signals are better at penetrating obstacles, which can make 4G appear faster in certain conditions.

The Future of 5G Speed

While it’s true that 5G can be slower than 4G LTE in some cases, the technology is still in its early stages of deployment. As more towers are built, and as the technology continues to evolve, 5G speeds will undoubtedly improve. In the coming years, the full potential of 5G will be realized as infrastructure expands and devices become more capable of handling high-speed networks.

Conclusion

While 5G has the potential to transform the mobile network experience with its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, it is not yet available everywhere, and several factors can contribute to slower speeds than 4G LTE in certain circumstances. Network coverage, the type of 5G network, device compatibility, and environmental conditions can all play a role in determining your actual 5G speeds. As 5G networks expand and improve, we can expect these speed issues to diminish, offering a faster and more reliable experience for users worldwide.