What Is Spectrum TV Essentials?
Spectrum TV Essentials is a live TV streaming service that includes over 70 entertainment, lifestyle and children’s networks. But there’s a catch.
What is 5G Fixed Wireless?
Fixed wireless internet is a type of internet connection that uses a tower that sends out radio waves to a dish on a home. Currently, many rural areas use 4G, or fourth generation, fixed wireless internet. Now that 5G technology is quickly becoming the norm, internet service providers are starting to advance their hardware, speeds and overall customer experiences.
Table of Contents
- What Is 5G?
- What Is Fixed Wireless?
- How 5G Fixed Wireless Works
- Fixed Wireless Providers
- Pros and Cons of Fixed Wireless
- FAQ
Summary
5G fixed wireless internet is the new generation of online fixed wireless internet connectivity. It utilizes the latest radio wave technology to bring the fastest speeds on larger bandwidths than were previously possible with wireless internet. As more internet service providers begin to roll out their 5G fixed wireless plans and services, millions of homes can expect reliable, high-speed internet.
What Is 5G?
You may have been hearing a lot of talk about 5G lately. 5G refers to the fifth generation of broadband cellular technology in the telecommunications industry. This means wireless radio signals that will be used by mobile phones and for greater global internet connectivity.
Each wireless generation has used its own type of radio wave technology to create a faster and more robust experience. 5G will mainly use millimeter waves, which are extremely high-frequency waves that utilize line-of-sight paths, flying along a bandwidth in the electromagnetic spectrum from 30 GHz up to 300 GHz. This means that 5G will be able to transmit great amounts of data at very high speeds with very little latency, unlike any previous generation.
As the years move forward, so too does technology and the significance of a strong and high-speed internet connection. 5G will be leading the charge in making this possible. It has already been widely deployed and is going to be expanding further as this early decade moves forward.
With each succeeding wireless internet generation, expect overall network capabilities to improve.
What Is Fixed Wireless?
Fixed wireless internet uses radio towers to transmit wireless signals to a dish on a home. Fixed wireless internet is used primarily in rural or underserved areas where cable, fiber or DSL companies may not provide service.
Its relative ease of installation, low equipment cost and use of existing towers to beam signals make fixed wireless a great option for high-speed connectivity. This makes it a worthy competitor to satellite internet where it is available.
How 5G Fixed Wireless Works
5G fixed wireless is at the forefront of wireless internet technology. It will use mainly millimeter waves carried along high-bandwidth frequencies to transmit large amounts of data. 5G will mean higher speeds and lower lag for millions of customers, especially in areas typically underserved by traditional cable, DSL and fiber internet service providers.
It is called fixed wireless because of the fixed equipment responsible for transmitting and receiving the wireless signals. An antenna on top of an existing tower, clear of obstructions, will beam out the required waves to a dish that is located on top of a home. These signals are then transmitted into the home via a short cable to the home’s modem where the wireless signals can then be used as either a wired or Wi-Fi connection, just like any other internet connection type.
5G fixed wireless will be crucial in providing high-speed internet to millions of homes nationwide and networks are already beginning to operate today. Expect service to only grow and speeds and bandwidth to reach their full potentials.
Fixed Wireless Providers
Consult the table below to learn about fixed wireless internet service providers. 5G fixed wireless is still a growing technology so its availability is not yet widespread.
| Provider | 5G Fixed Wireless Availability | Price | Speeds | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Not yet, only 4G now | Currently $59.99/mo. for 10 Mbps | Currently 10 Mbps; 5G should increase speeds dramatically | Can bundle w/ DIRECTV |
| Verizon | Nationwide in select cities; blend of 4G and 5G | $50/mo. w/ Verizon mobile plan, $70/mo. without | Between 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps download speeds | 1 year of Discovery+ |
| Starry | In select major cities in apartment buildings | $50/mo. | Up to 200 Mbps | Free Wi-Fi router, no contracts or caps |
| T-Mobile | Not yet, in early development | $60/mo. | Over 50 Mbps | No caps, contracts or price hikes |
Pros and Cons of Fixed Wireless Internet
5G fixed wireless internet will certainly usher in a new, advanced era of online connectivity for millions of people once it becomes more prevalent. When comparing it to other internet service types, how does it stack up?
Pros
- Super easy installation process means it can be in any environment
- Reliable high-speed solution for rural homes
- No other services are typically required
- Usually no data caps
- Plenty of smaller ISPs offer fixed wireless internet
Cons
- Widespread 5G connectivity not yet prevalent
- Most providers require a clear line of sight to function properly
- Inclement weather can affect service
Frequently asked questions
What is fixed wireless internet?
Fixed wireless internet is a type of internet service that uses wireless signals (radio waves) to transmit an internet connection from a nearby tower to a dish on a home or business. The wireless signals are then converted into a usable connection within the home or business through the use of a modem, just like any other internet connection type.
What is 5G?
"5G" refers to the fifth generation of mobile communications and connectivity within the telecommunications industry. 5G fixed wireless internet uses the technology of 5G wireless connectivity and implements it as a home internet network.
What ISPs are offering 5G fixed wireless?
Verizon is the largest company offering 5G fixed wireless internet currently. Other providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile are also expecting to launch 5G internet service soon.
Can I game with fixed wireless internet?
Online gaming requires speeds of at least 25 Mbps for a smooth connection. 5G fixed wireless internet should be able to provide speeds at least ten times that fast. So, yes, online gaming is possible with 5G fixed wireless internet.
