4G typically operates between 600 MHz and 2.5 GHz, while 5G uses a much broader range—from 600 MHz up to 52 GHz.
In simple terms, 5G supports both low-band (similar to 4G) and ultra-high frequencies (millimeter waves), enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and more.
What Is the Difference Between 4G and 5G Frequency?
4G and 5G differ mainly in the spectrum range they use.
4G networks mainly use sub-3 GHz frequencies, which offer wide coverage but moderate speeds.
5G expands into millimeter wave (mmWave) bands above 24 GHz, allowing ultra-fast data transfer but with shorter coverage distances.
In short:
- 4G Frequency Range: 600 MHz – 2.5 GHz
- 5G Frequency Range: 600 MHz – 52 GHz (including mmWave)
- 5G Speed Potential: 10–100x faster than 4G
- 5G Latency: As low as 1 millisecond
4G vs 5G Frequency Comparison Table
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G NR (New Radio) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 600 MHz – 2.5 GHz | 600 MHz – 52 GHz |
| Speed Range | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Latency | 30–50 ms | 1–10 ms |
| Bandwidth | Narrow | Ultra-wide |
| Coverage | Wide (Rural + Urban) | Limited (High-frequency needs more towers) |
| Technology Type | OFDMA | Massive MIMO, Beamforming, OFDMA |
| Use Cases | Mobile Internet, Streaming | Smart Cities, IoT, Autonomous Cars |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | High (Dynamic resource allocation) |
Why Does Frequency Matter for 4G and 5G?
Frequency determines how fast data travels and how far signals reach.
- Low frequencies travel farther but carry less data.
- High frequencies carry more data but travel shorter distances.
That’s why 4G is great for coverage, while 5G excels at capacity and speed.
Does 5G Use the Same Frequency as 4G?
Partially, yes.
5G reuses some low- and mid-band frequencies used by 4G (like 700 MHz and 2.5 GHz), but also introduces new high-frequency bands (mmWave) that 4G never used.
This reuse of existing bands helps speed up 5G rollout—carriers can upgrade infrastructure instead of starting from scratch.
Does 5G Have a Higher Frequency?
Yes, significantly.
5G’s highest frequency bands reach 52 GHz, while 4G tops out around 2.5 GHz.
These millimeter-wave frequencies enable 5G’s massive bandwidth and ultra-low latency.
However, high frequency comes with trade-offs:
- Shorter range
- Higher susceptibility to obstacles (walls, trees, rain)
- More cell towers required
To balance this, providers combine low-, mid-, and high-band 5G to ensure both speed and coverage.
How Do Telecoms Implement 5G Frequency Bands?
Telecoms use a method called Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS).
This allows 4G and 5G to operate on the same frequency band dynamically, ensuring smoother transition and compatibility.
They also deploy Massive MIMO antennas that use multiple signal paths to boost speed and reliability.
Final Thoughts
When comparing 4G vs 5G frequency, the key difference lies in range and capability:
- 4G covers more ground with lower frequencies.
- 5G expands into higher bands for faster, more responsive connections.
As infrastructure grows, 5G’s multi-band spectrum will power future innovations like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and real-time healthcare—proving that frequency truly fuels connectivity’s next evolution.
Citations:
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
“Understanding Spectrum: How 5G Works.”
https://www.fcc.gov/5G - 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
“5G NR Frequency Bands (Release 17).”
https://www.3gpp.org/ - Qualcomm Technologies.
“What is 5G and how is it different from 4G?”
https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/what-is-5g - GSMA Intelligence.
“5G Spectrum Guide: Global Policy and Deployment.”
https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/5g-spectrum-guide/ - ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
“IMT-2020 (5G) Standards and Frequency Bands.”
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/ - Ofcom (UK Communications Regulator).
“Spectrum for Mobile and Wireless Broadband: 4G and 5G.”
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/ - Ericsson Mobility Report.
“The Evolution from 4G to 5G.”
https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/mobility-report - Nokia.
“5G Frequency Bands Explained: Low, Mid, and High.”
https://www.nokia.com/networks/5g/ - IEEE Spectrum.
“Inside the 5G Revolution: Frequency, Speed, and Infrastructure.”
https://spectrum.ieee.org/5g - GSMArena Tech Encyclopedia.
“LTE (4G) and NR (5G) Frequency Bands Explained.”
https://www.gsmarena.com/
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