4G vs 5G Explained: What Every South African Needs to Know
Understanding network technology helps you make informed decisions about your mobile experience and connectivity solutions.
Understanding the evolution from 4G to 5G helps maximize your connectivity
Network providers use various terms like 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, and 5G NR, but what do these actually mean for South African users? This comprehensive guide explains each technology and how to optimize your mobile experience. Explore our 4G signal boosters to get the most out of your LTE connection.
Understanding 4G and LTE Technology
4G, the Fourth Generation of mobile networks, represents a significant advancement from 3G with faster data speeds and enhanced broadband capabilities. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) served as a transitional technology bridging the gap between 3G and true 4G standards. Our 4G boosters and 5G boosters are designed for homes, offices, and vehicles across South Africa.
South African Context: While true 4G should deliver 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, most local LTE networks achieve 12-30 Mbps in urban areas, with higher speeds in well-served locations.
4G/LTE Speed Comparison
| Network Type | Average Speed | Maximum Speed | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3G | 3 Mbps | 7 Mbps | Basic browsing, calls |
| 4G LTE | 12-30 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Streaming, browsing |
| True 4G | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps | HD streaming, gaming - boost your connection |
The evolution of mobile network technology over generations
5G: The Next Generation of Connectivity
5G represents a revolutionary leap in mobile technology, designed to deliver exceptional speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive device connectivity. Unlike previous generations, 5G operates across three distinct frequency bands. Discover our 5G signal boosters to take advantage of these speeds.
| 5G Band | Frequency Range | Speed Range | Coverage Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Band | 600 MHz–1 GHz | 50–250 Mbps | Wide area | Rural coverage |
| Mid-Band | 1–6 GHz | 300 Mbps–1 Gbps | Balanced | Urban/suburban |
| High-Band | 24–47 GHz | 1+ Gbps | Short range | Dense urban |
5G NR Technology
5G NR (New Radio) is the global standard developed by 3GPP that enables 5G's advanced capabilities. This technology supports faster data transmission, reduced latency (as low as 1ms), and more flexible network deployment options. Learn how to test your signal speeds in South Africa.
5G offers significantly improved speeds and latency compared to previous generations
Key Differences: 4G vs 5G
Compatibility Note: Only 5G-enabled devices can access 5G networks. 4G phones remain fully functional on LTE networks but cannot access 5G speeds or features. Quad-band boosters support both 4G and 5G networks.
| Feature | 4G/LTE | 5G | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 1 Gbps | 20 Gbps | 20x faster - boost your office network |
| Latence | 30-70 ms | 1-5 ms | 10-50x lower |
| Device Capacity | 4,000 per km² | 1M per km² | 250x more |
| Infrastructure | Large towers | Small cells + towers | More flexible |
Understanding device compatibility between network generations
Enhancing Your Network Experience
Whether you're using 4G or 5G, weak signals can undermine your mobile experience. Bolton Technical offers comprehensive signal boosting solutions tailored to South Africa's unique connectivity challenges. Explore our range of boosters to find the perfect solution for your home, office, or vehicle.
Need Reliable Connectivity?
Our signal boosters enhance both 4G and 5G signals for all South African networks:
- Home signal boosters - Perfect for residential areas
- Office signal boosters - Ideal for businesses
- Vehicle signal boosters - Stay connected on the move
Call our specialists: JHB 011 749 3085 | CPT 021 879 3057
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, 5G primarily handles data transmission, while VoLTE (Voice over LTE) manages calls on 4G networks. Voice quality improvements will come with future Vo5G implementation. Check 5G boosters for enhanced coverage.
This depends on your location and network coverage. In areas with limited 5G coverage, a 4G/LTE booster may provide better results. Our team can assess your specific situation. See home boosters.
Many modern boosters support both technologies, providing comprehensive coverage across all available networks for optimal connectivity. Explore quad-band solutions.
Why Choose Bolton Technical?
- Free consultation with South African-based experts
- Free shipping on orders over R750 to major cities
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all products
- Proven expertise with over 1,000,000 m² of coverage boosted - see case studies
