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    • Article

    Will Present Smartphones Support 5G Networks in 2021?

    • News
    • 19 Apr, 2021
    • Posted by: Bianca Thorburn

    Will I Need a New Phone to Support 5G?

    5G technology is here. Are you ready to take advantage of all it has to offer? 5G will provide super fast internet speeds and allow you to download movies, documents and music almost instantaneously. 5G is also capable of incredible amounts of data bandwidth, so many people can use the signal at the same time. Businesses will be able to take advantage of new technologies and file sharing at a moment’s notice.

    Using wavelengths of between 30 and 300 gigahertz, 5G relies on many small towers called cells in a closer proximity to deliver signal. For this reason, 5G will be much more prevalent in urban areas. Infrastructure costs dictate they build cells in areas where many customers can use them. 5G also has the disadvantage of not being able to pass the signal through obstacles like walls and trees, so if you are not in an area where there are many towers, you may not be able to take advantage of the network. There are solutions for this that we will discuss later.

    With speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, 5G will allow smartphones to be able to handle more and more unique applications. From watching movies on your phone in the middle of the park to connecting to the coffee shop to running your business, we will be able to use our phones for almost everything. Does this mean you need to run out and buy a new device? Will your 4G phone work on the 5G network? What if I’m not in the middle of a big city?

    Let's find out.

    Which Phones Support 5G Networks?

    5G and 4G use different technologies. 4G uses a different frequency or bandwidth to deliver signals. 5G uses a radio technology that has to be compatible with the phone. The signals for both of these are not received or transmitted in the same way. As a result, if you want to take advantage of 5G speeds, you will need to invest in a 5G phone. Android has a large selection of phones compatible with the 5G network such as the Samsung Galaxy series, and LG & Huawei also offer some 5G phone options. Check your mobile network provider’s store to see what they available.

    Keep in mind that the 5G network is not all encompassing just yet, and unless you are in an area where there is consistent 5G service, the 5G phone will use the slower 4G service. So it depends on how cutting edge your area is too.

    What about iPhone?

    iPhone currently offers the iPhone 12 that supports 5G on both the Vodacom and MTN network. MTN launched their 5G mobile service December 2020 leading the way with rolling out the first mobile 5G service on Apple devices in SA. Vodacom received their certification February 2021 and now also offers 5G service on the iPhone 12. Both Network operators started selling their 5G iPhone 12 cell phones end of last year.

    Will my 4G phone work on the 5G Network?

    The 4G network is not going away, but in order to use the 5G technology, you definitely need to buy a new phone. Your 4G phone will work just fine and in the way you are used to, but if you want to take advantage of new technologies and 5G speeds, you need a new phone. One possible side effect of keeping your 4G phone is that, as others shift to the 5G network, the 4G network may become less crowded and you may experience higher speeds.

    What will happen to 2G and 3G?

    This is a sticky situation. There are still a lot of people who can only get 2G or 3G where they live, and a lot of people cannot afford to purchase more expensive smartphones with 4G and 5G technology. Although South Africa would like to move away from legacy technologies such as 2G and 3G services, around 66% still rely on these technologies and millions of 2G phones are still being sold by independent retailers.

    Mobile operators are refarming portions of the 900mhz band (2G) to utilise for their 4G service.

    Which countries support the 5G network?

    5G is a worldwide standard, but the rate of adoption in countries varies. The United States is leading the way and rolling out 5G networks. All of the major network operators and some smaller ones will have 5G services in select markets in 2021.

    Other major countries with prevalent networks include Canada, Mexico, South Korea, China, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, India, Indonesia, Europe, and Central America. It’s best to check a coverage map and the individual countries to see their plan for implementation.

    Which mobile providers support the 5G network?

    Vodacom, MTN and rain all have plans for a nationwide 5G network in the South Africa. MTN and Vodacom are leading the way with mobile 5G network roll-outs and Rain offers a fixed 5G service for homes, with customers able to purchase uncapped home 5G broadband coverage in major metropolitan areas.

    List of 5G Enabled Smartphones in South Africa

    If you're looking to upgrade to a 5G Enabled phone, here is the complete list of 5G enabled phones:

    What about 5G Signal Boosters?

    Back to the fact that 5G can’t go through obstacles like walls and trees. The strongest signal will be outdoors between the cell sites. How do you transfer that signal to the office or in your home? This is where you can utilise a signal booster or extender! Put the antenna on the outside of your home to capture the signal and the booster inside your home will continue or boost the signal inside the home.

    Newer signal boosters are being designed to handle 5G signals as well as boost 4G LTE signals. Although not available in South Africa yet, these Signal boosters may be the key in using 5G in your home or business in the future. They will be able to transmit the 5G signal where it would normally degrade and keep it strong enough to take advantage of what it was designed for.

    I’m Ready to Roll!

    If you are not in an area where 5G is currently implemented, you may soon be. There are plans for installation all around the world. The estimate is that, by 2023, 32% of all providers will offer 5G mobile services. Check your local cell phone stores for new technology and available dates. This is the wave of the future and you should be aware of what 5G has to offer.

    How Can I Improve My 4G, LTE, or 5G Signal?

    Bolton Technical is the leading provider of cell phone signal boosters. Cell phone boosters amplify 4G, LTE, or any other type of signal (2G, 3G) for any phone on any mobile network. They work for home, office, or vehicle.

    We seriously hate dropped calls and poor coverage, and we've made it our goal to both provide information and solutions to rid it from your life. We provide:

    • Free consultation (ask us anything) with our SA-based customer support (sales@boltontechnical.co.za) or call us at 011 749 3085.
    • Our boosters are assembled in the US and are ICASA approved for use across South Africa.
    • We offer free shipping on orders over R500, one year manufacturers warranty, and a 30-day money back guarantee on all products.

    Ask us anything and we'll be glad to help.

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