Getting the right fit for your cell plan usage can be quite a handful, and with rapidly shifting packages, information expires almost each week. When looking for a new phone plan, then you need to know much more than just data plans and coverage. In this article, you’ll learn about 4G and 5G networks and how they factor in your decision when choosing a cell phone plan.
It’s All about Coverage
The transition from Edge to 2G and now 5G has also lead to major leaps in mobile phone technologies and coverage access and yet most people don’t fully understand how these affect their cell phone usage. As carriers compete to offer faster connectivity and better coverage, the factor influencing these offers is whether the carrier as the latest network band, which currently is 5G. 4G has been around for a while, but its introduction did not cause as much confusion and uproar as 5G.
Since 5G is the new network, you should choose a prepaid mobile plan that offers you full 5G coverage and the best way to know this is by checking whether you carrier has 5G infrastructure in more places than its competitors. Since companies will eventually compete on speed and latency, you should choose one that won’t suddenly toggle to lower networks without prompting you first. This is a sure sign that they don’t have sufficient 5G coverage in that area, or even in most areas.
Is Faster Always Better?
Okay, so 5G is faster, but does it offer the best network services? The answer to this largely depends on your internet usage. If you intend to upload and download larger files fast, then 5G is your best bet but you should expect some issues with latency. However, if you are constantly on the move and prefer something that is responsive while still managing your background processes equally as good, then 4G is your best bet.
What Does this Mean for Travelers?
Roaming presents another area of concern if you are choosing a new phone plan. Not all countries have massively adopted 5G and in some areas 4G is still under development. Your carrier could be having a presence in such areas and chances are they might not immediately alert you of lower speeds or poorer service. The best thing to do is to do some research on the area you are going to check which career has the strongest network, and if there are several, then you can choose the one with the best rates.
You can expect a slight reduction in costs if the dip in network quality is significant at which point a shift to a local career might suit you best. Your destination country will likely have burner phones you can use for very short stays, but if you intend on using your career phone, then you run the risk of completely missing out on any network coverage.
Overall, the network coverage of your preferred carrier network is what matters most whether you are travelling or simply shifting to a new plan within your area.
