Operators set different network speeds for 5G packages: some are even worse than 4G

Not long ago, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated: If users are currently using 4G packages, as long as their 5G mobile phones are set up correctly and within the coverage of the 5G network, they can also access the 5G network. If users use 5G packages, they can enjoy faster 5G network services.

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After the news that 4G packages can also use 5G networks was made public, the phenomenon of 5G network speed grading has also attracted attention, that is, operators set different network speeds for 5G packages of different prices.

In the 4G era, although 4G packages also have different price points, the main differences are the size of the data package and the duration of voice calls. The current 5G packages, like broadband, are charged according to speed levels.

For example, the description of China Mobile's Enjoy Package shows: Starting from December 27, 2019, those who change to the 30GB and 50GB Enjoy Packages will automatically be linked to the 5G Premium Service; those who change to 100GB and above will automatically be linked to the 5G Extreme Speed ​​Service.

China Unicom has also made a tiered approach to 5G packages. Only 5G packages of 199 yuan per month or above can enjoy ultra-fast services, while the following are premium services.

What is the difference between “5G Premium Service” and “5G Extreme Speed ​​Service”?

It is reported that operators will differentiate user services based on the busyness of the 5G network and give priority to high-speed users.

Specifically, "Premium Service" refers to the 5G network peak rate of 500Mbps and priority access guarantee in busy areas; "Ultra-Speed ​​Service" refers to the 5G network peak rate of 1Gbps and priority access guarantee in busy areas.

In addition to the two network levels mentioned above, there is also "5G basic service", which only provides a 5G network peak rate of 300Mbps.

That is the entry-level 5G network speed mentioned at the beginning, that is, the 5G network service accessed by 5G mobile phone + 4G package. It is worth mentioning that the speed enjoyed by "5G basic service" is not even as fast as the peak period of 4G, when the peak rate of 4G could reach 375Mbps. Of course, it is much faster than the current 4G network speed.

Everyone should understand that if a user holds a 5G mobile phone but uses a 4G package without upgrading to a 5G package, the network speed will inevitably be limited. And the peak network speed you enjoy will also be different depending on the monthly fee. The higher the fee, the faster the 5G peak network speed you enjoy. Want a faster network speed? Then spend more money!

Why are there differences in network benefits for 5G packages?

According to insiders of the operator, the main reason is that "Internet speed is also sold as a product, low price for low speed, high price for high speed", which is similar to the current business model of selling fixed-line broadband by speed.

In fact, before the release of 5G commercial packages, operators had already taken precautions. One of the highlights of 5G packages was the introduction of a rate-based billing model for the first time. However, when it was actually implemented, users still had reservations, after all, no one wanted to be limited in speed.

In addition, even the "5G ultra-fast service" can only guarantee "optimal" access. If the network is busy, 5G services cannot be fully accessed. This may be because the 5G base stations are under construction and it is difficult to support large-scale users using the 5G network at high speed at the same time, so the operators have to make restrictions.

The good news is that with more and more 5G base stations in the country, the phenomenon of busy 5G networks will be improved in the future.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently stated that last year, my country built more than 600,000 new 5G base stations, and plans to build another 600,000 new 5G base stations in 2021. On the basis of in-depth coverage of cities at the prefecture level and above, it will accelerate the extension to counties and towns with conditions, guide local governments to increase support for 5G network construction, and further implement relevant policies such as 5G site locations and electricity consumption to achieve wider range and more levels of 5G network coverage.