5G-E network in Smartphones : 5G finally here?

AT&T, one of the leading mobile network carrier started showing 5G-E networks in some of the phones from Samsung and LG. Though none of them supports 5G as of now. As per the leaks, three smartphones Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, LG V30, LG V40 when connected to AT&T’s LTE network, showed 5G-E in some portions of its coverage.

What does the “E” in 5G stands for?

The “E” stands for “Evolution” but is intentionally made really small to reduce significance. Whereas, the “E” is the sole proof that the network isn’t real 5G.

Is 5G-E faster than LTE?

Yes. Those areas have faster network speed with some boosting technologies implemented by AT&T. But that doesn’t make the network 5G. That is just a faster LTE.

Future of 5G-E?

AT&T plans to add the 5G-E icon to more phones this spring, but it didn’t immediately say which ones. AT&T offers a total of 17 devices right now can take advantage of this technology, and it says that the network will be available in 400 markets within “the coming days.”

The reaction of other market competitors?

Verizon in a letter said: “The potential to over-hype and under-deliver on the 5G promise is a temptation that the wireless industry must resist.” “We’re calling on the broad wireless industry to commit to labeling something 5G only if new device hardware is connecting to the network using new radio technology to deliver new capabilities.”

T-Mobile, however, mocked them on Twitter: “Didn’t realize it was this easy, brb updating.” It wrote under a video showing someone simply taping a “9G” sticker onto an iPhone.

didn’t realize it was this easy, brb updating pic.twitter.com/dCmnd6lspH

— T-Mobile (@TMobile) January 7, 2019

Sprint said: “AT&T is blatantly misleading consumers: 5G-E is not real 5G.”

Conclusion

5G isn’t a faster 4G as it has been mostly from 2G->3G->4G. It’s a completely different segment and 5G-E is not 5G no matter how the marketing is!

We support how Verizon addressed this issue. It said, “People need a clear, consistent and simple understanding of 5G so they are able to compare service, plans, and products without having to maneuver through marketing double-speak or technical specifications.”