The term 5G can include different types of connection technology, like fixed wireless or cellular networks, but it all uses the same protocol to improve performance. Essentially the biggest difference between 5G wireless networks and the currently popular 4G wireless networks is how the network nodes function.

With 4G, the cell towers (network nodes) are designed to reach as broad of an area as possible. Not only does this expand service area, but it also reduces the number of towers necessary to deliver service to a given area.

Companies are taking a different approach with 5G. In the simplest terms, 5G is like having high-powered Wi-Fi routers dispersed all over the city to function as the network nodes. So, your internet provider’s network will function more like your home network, but much faster.

Our study found that with 5G internet speeds, the average user can:

  • download a movie in just 6 seconds instead of 7 minutes.
  • save 2 minutes and 20 seconds a day on waiting for social media websites, which is 4 days in a lifetime!
  • save about 23 hours per month across movies, TV, music, games, and social media.