Support Center

5G simply means a 5th generation cellular technology. LTE is a 4th generation technology and why it is referred to often as “4G.”

You need a 5G capable SIM, a 5G capable phone, and up to date software on your phone to see and use 5G.

iPhone SE3, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 models are all 5G capable. Samsung S22, 23, and 24 are 5G capable right now. Other models like the S25, A14, 15, 16 and the Flip and Fold 4, 5, and 6 are all getting 5G too. But, the software updates for those won’t happen until each gets Android 16 which should happen by the end October 2025.

No. The 5G upgrades are for the EKN (Band 12) network only.

Initially, no. Eventually, yes! At 5G launch, roughly half of our 300+ sites have some form of 5G on them.

The main thing is increased data capacity. Simply put, places where a lot of people try to use data will have a better data experience with 5G. Schools, sporting events, festivals, and downtown areas of bigger cities will all see improved data experience with 5G.

No. All voice traffic will still be carried over 4G. 5G will only work for data. If you are on 5G and make a voice call, you will notice the device will fall back to LTE/4G to make the phone call. The footprint (how far the signal reaches) is very similar for 4G and 5G.

5G data speeds will vary greatly depending on which band of 5G service you are picking up. For example, if you are in a rural area with not many users on a cell site, 4G and 5G data speeds can be similar. Speeds of up to 120 Mbps are capable on low band 5G from our testing. These cell sites will all operate on “low band” 5G technology. If you get into a bigger city in our region, a “mid-band” 5G band, we have seen speeds of up to 400 Mbps in optimal conditions.

Potentially, yes! When 5G launches and we continue to upgrade people with 5G SIMs and devices, every person pulled off the 4G network onto the 5G network will also make the 4G data experience better for people who have only 4G capable devices.

A couple of things to look for:
Are you in an area that has 5G for sure? While many sites have 5G, many still do not.
Check to make sure 5G is toggled ON in the settings.
On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G Standalone > Toggle ON.
On Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Allow 5G service ON

No! 4G still carries all the voice traffic on our network and will for the foreseeable future. 4G/LTE still has a lot of time left in its life cycle.

The experience should be the same when you travel outside our area. This will not impact the roaming experience you are used to with our service.

5G can only be seen and used by Appalachian Wireless customers.