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What you need to know about 5G

5G is the latest generation of wireless technology for mobile networks. Our already-powerful network of 4G LTE and secure WiFi hotspots has evolved to include nationwide 5G coverage, giving you faster speed compared to 4G alone:

  • Faster downloads of your favorite shows, movies, and podcasts.
  • Better connections when you’re video chatting or watching live broadcasts.

There are three kinds of 5G spectrum:

  • Low-band spectrum is widely available across the country. It provides nationwide coverage and speeds similar to 4G LTE.
  • Mid-band spectrum, or C-Band, has faster speeds and generally covers a neighborhood or a town.
  • High-band spectrum, or 5G Ultra Wideband, has the fastest speeds and is generally available within a smaller area at a time, like an individual city block.

Both low-band and mid-band (C-Band) are also called Sub6 5G.

Here’s an illustration of the types of 5G data and how they might cover parts of a neighborhood or town:

The Low, Mid, and High Band layers are displayed to show the speed, capacity, and distance of each with sample coverage on a rendering of a city.

Is 5G available in my area?

5G coverage is now available nationwide, but mid-band (C-Band) and high-band 5G (Ultra Wideband) are only available in some areas.

Enter your ZIP code to check coverage in your area and explore our network of 5G, 4G LTE, and millions of secure Xfinity WiFi hotspots.

How do I get 5G?

To get 5G, you'll need a 5G-capable device. Nationwide 5G network access is included on both our By the Gig and Unlimited data options, no matter which one you choose. Once you have your device, activate it in your account, over the phone or visit an Xfinity Retail Store.

To get 5G access, you’ll need to be on our latest data plan. To upgrade your plan, head to your account. Ultra Wideband 5G is only available in certain parts of select cities.

Does 5G affect how much data I use?

Beginning February 2024, we’re enhancing our network services, and as a result, C-Band and Ultra Wideband data (indicated by 5G+ on your device) now count towards your cellular data usage threshold.

The amount of data you use is determined by your activity on your device. As 5G provides higher speeds, you may find yourself increasing the amount of data you use. You can always save data by connecting to WiFi.

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