5G+ is not a separate generation of wireless technology. It is AT&T’s brand name for its millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G network, the fastest but most limited form of 5G in the United States. Speeds on 5G+ can reach gigabit levels in ideal conditions, far above standard 5G. Coverage, however, is restricted to dense urban zones, stadiums, and airports. Understanding this distinction matters for anyone choosing a phone plan or traveling with a connectivity need.
What Is 5G+ Exactly?
5G+ refers specifically to AT&T’s deployment of mmWave spectrum, a high-frequency band capable of carrying huge amounts of data over very short distances. AT&T uses “5G+” to distinguish this ultra-fast layer from its standard, broader 5G network built on low-band and mid-band spectrum.
Other US carriers use different names for similar mmWave technology:
- T-Mobile calls its fastest tier “Ultra Capacity”
- Verizon calls its mmWave network “5G Ultra Wideband” (5G UW)
So if a phone shows “5G+,” it is on AT&T. The same underlying mmWave technology exists across carriers, just under different marketing names.
How 5G+ Differs From Standard 5G
The key difference is spectrum, not generation. Both 5G+ and standard 5G run on 5G NR (New Radio) technology, but they use different frequency bands:
Low-band 5G travels far and penetrates walls well, but speeds are only slightly faster than 4G LTE. It covers most of the country.
Mid-band 5G balances speed and coverage, reaching tens of city blocks per tower with noticeably faster speeds.
mmWave 5G (5G+) uses very high frequencies. It delivers the highest theoretical speeds but the signal struggles to pass through walls, glass, and even foliage. Towers must be placed every few hundred meters, which is why 5G+ exists almost exclusively in stadiums, airports, convention centers, and select downtown blocks of major cities.
Where 5G+ Is Available
AT&T has rolled out 5G+ mainly in:
- Sports stadiums and arenas during major events
- Airports in large metro areas
- Dense downtown corridors of cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta
Outside these zones, AT&T phones fall back to standard mid-band or low-band 5G, which is still fast but does not reach mmWave peak speeds.
Do You Need a Phone Compatible With 5G+?
Most phones sold in the US since 2020 support mmWave bands, including recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. However, mmWave compatibility varies by region and carrier model, so it is worth checking your device’s specifications if maximum speed in a stadium or airport matters to you.
Why This Matters for Travelers in the US
Visitors arriving in the United States often assume any “5G” label guarantees fast internet everywhere. In reality, most everyday 5G use in the US runs on mid-band or low-band networks, not mmWave 5G+. Speed and reliability depend heavily on which carrier’s network your SIM or eSIM connects to, and in which city.
This is one reason many international travelers research providers ranked among theholafly best travel esim options for the US market before they land, since these plans run on networks with strong 5G coverage across major American cities and let visitors avoid juggling local SIM cards or guessing which carrier offers the best signal where they’re staying.
5G+ vs 5G: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Standard 5G | 5G+ (mmWave) |
| Carrier | All major US carriers | AT&T (similar tech under other names elsewhere) |
| Speed | Moderate to fast | Very fast, gigabit-level peaks |
| Coverage area | Wide, nationwide | Very limited, specific venues/blocks |
| Wall penetration | Good | Poor |
| Typical use case | Everyday browsing, streaming | Stadiums, airports, dense downtown areas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G+ faster than regular 5G?
Yes, in the specific locations where it’s available. mmWave 5G+ can reach speeds several times faster than mid-band 5G, but only within a short range of a tower.
Why does my phone switch between 5G and 5G+?
Your phone automatically switches networks based on the strongest available signal. Walking out of a stadium or downtown block typically drops the connection from 5G+ back to standard 5G.
Does 5G+ exist outside the US?
The term “5G+” is specific to AT&T’s branding. Other countries and carriers use mmWave technology under their own names, where deployed.
Will 5G+ drain my battery faster?
mmWave connections can use more power due to the higher frequency and more frequent network switching, though the difference is usually minor for typical use.