Will 4G Become Slow After 5G?
As 5G networks are rolled out, there are concerns about how the performance of 4G networks might be affected. Will 4G networks become slower as more users switch to 5G? Let me walk you through this, and I will explain why 4G may not necessarily become slow, even after 5G becomes more widespread.
Impact of 5G on 4G Networks
It is important to understand that 4G and 5G networks coexist for the foreseeable future. While 5G promises faster speeds and improved network performance, it doesn’t mean that 4G networks will instantly degrade or become unusable. The key here is that 4G and 5G networks are designed to complement each other rather than replace one another entirely.
Here are some factors that explain why 4G is unlikely to slow down significantly after 5G’s introduction:
- Network Evolution: 5G is being introduced in phases, and it initially operates alongside 4G (Non-Standalone mode). 4G will still handle the bulk of data traffic in many areas for several years. During this time, 4G will continue to provide fast, reliable connections.
- 5G Coverage: 5G coverage is still being expanded. In many regions, 4G is still the primary network, and 5G coverage is limited to urban areas or specific zones. This means that the majority of users will continue to rely on 4G for their day-to-day needs.
- Carrier Aggregation: One of the features of LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro is Carrier Aggregation, which can combine multiple LTE bands to improve speeds. This helps maintain fast 4G speeds, even as 5G networks come online.
- Resource Allocation: 5G and 4G operate on separate frequencies, and operators will manage these networks in parallel. In fact, operators may allocate additional resources to 4G to maintain its speed and efficiency as more devices use the network.
What About the Users Moving to 5G?
As more users adopt 5G, it might seem like fewer people will be using 4G, which could help ease congestion on the 4G network. However, keep in mind that it will take time for 5G adoption to reach widespread levels. The majority of devices and users will still be on 4G for quite a few years, and as such, 4G will continue to be a vital part of mobile networks.
Table of Key Differences Between 4G and 5G
| Feature | 4G | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 20 Gbps |
| Latency | 30-50 ms | 1 ms |
| Frequency Range | Below 6 GHz | Below 100 GHz |
| Coverage | Widespread | Limited (Initial phase) |
When Will 4G Users Feel a Change?
As mentioned, 4G and 5G networks will operate in parallel for some time. You might experience faster speeds if you have a 5G device in a 5G-covered area, but 4G won’t disappear or slow down drastically in the short term. It will continue to serve users who do not yet have access to 5G, and many mobile providers will maintain strong 4G services even as they expand their 5G offerings.
In the future, as 5G becomes more ubiquitous, 4G may become less prominent, but this won’t necessarily mean that 4G will slow down. Instead, 4G will be used in situations where 5G is unavailable, or for less demanding applications. The deployment of 5G will not automatically degrade 4G service but will instead offer more options for users, providing faster speeds where available and maintaining strong 4G performance elsewhere.