New Delhi, September 19, 2025 – Many smartphone users often wonder: if both 4G and 5G networks run on the same frequency bands, how can 5G still deliver much higher speeds? The answer lies not in the frequency itself, but in the way 5G technology makes smarter, more efficient use of the spectrum.
Breaking Down the Speed Advantage
1. Advanced Modulation
While 4G LTE commonly uses 64-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 5G supports 256-QAM and beyond. This allows more bits of data to be packed into every signal, effectively doubling data rates without needing new spectrum.
2. Wider Channel Bandwidth
LTE typically limits channels to 20 MHz, whereas 5G can use up to 100 MHz in sub-6 GHz bands. Even on the same frequency, this wider “lane” enables much more data to flow through.
3. Massive MIMO and Beamforming
One of the biggest upgrades is antenna technology. LTE mostly uses 2×2 or 4×4 MIMO, but 5G expands this to massive MIMO configurations like 64×64. Combined with beamforming, which directs signals more precisely, users get stronger connections and higher speeds.
4. Reduced Latency
5G shortens the transmission time interval (TTI) from 1 millisecond in LTE to as low as 0.125 ms. This enables faster scheduling, quicker acknowledgments, and smoother real-time performance.
5. Smarter Error Correction
Instead of LTE’s Turbo Codes, 5G employs LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) and Polar Codes. These deliver more reliable transmissions with fewer errors, boosting overall throughput.
6. Dynamic Spectrum Sharing
5G networks can dynamically share spectrum with 4G users, optimizing utilization without waiting for spectrum refarming.
Real-World Impact
On a 20 MHz band at 1800 MHz:
- 4G LTE (64-QAM, 2×2 MIMO) delivers ~100 Mbps peak.
- 5G NR (256-QAM, 8×8 MIMO, LDPC coding) can reach 400–600 Mbps.
- With massive MIMO, speeds can scale into multiple gigabits per second.
Conclusion
The speed advantage of 5G is not about “new frequencies” alone. Even on the same old LTE bands, it’s faster because of advanced modulation, wider bandwidth, smarter antennas, lower latency, and efficient coding. In short, 5G turns the same spectrum into a superhighway for data, ensuring a smoother and faster experience for users.
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Why 5G Is Faster Even on the Same Frequency Band
New Delhi, September 19, 2025 – With the rapid rollout of 5G networks in India and across the world, many users are asking the same question: if both 4G and 5G use the same frequency bands, why is 5G much faster? The answer lies in the technology and efficiency improvements of 5G NR (New Radio), which make it far superior to LTE, even without new spectrum.
How 5G Achieves Higher Speeds on the Same Frequency
1. Advanced Modulation (QAM)
- 4G LTE generally uses 64-QAM, which carries 6 bits per symbol.
- 5G supports 256-QAM and 1024-QAM, packing 8–10 bits per symbol.
- This allows 5G to transmit more data in the same radio wave.
2. Wider Channel Bandwidth
- LTE caps channels at 20 MHz, while 5G supports 100 MHz in sub-6 GHz and 400 MHz in mmWave.
- Even in existing 1800 MHz or 2300 MHz bands, 5G can combine wider blocks of spectrum, boosting throughput.
3. Massive MIMO & Beamforming
- 4G commonly uses 2×2 or 4×4 MIMO.
- 5G expands this to 64×64 Massive MIMO, enabling parallel data streams.
- Beamforming directs signals precisely at each device, improving efficiency and coverage.
4. Lower Latency & Faster Scheduling
- LTE’s minimum scheduling interval (TTI) is 1 ms.
- 5G can cut this to 0.125 ms, reducing latency and improving responsiveness.
5. Smarter Coding & Error Correction
- LTE uses Turbo Codes.
- 5G adopts LDPC and Polar Codes, which are more efficient, reducing retransmissions and increasing net speed.
6. Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS)
- 5G can share the same spectrum with 4G.
- The system intelligently assigns resources depending on device type, ensuring better utilization of available frequency.
Real-World Speed Comparison
On a 20 MHz block at 1800 MHz:
- 4G LTE (64-QAM, 2×2 MIMO) ? ~100 Mbps peak
- 5G NR (256-QAM, 8×8 MIMO) ? ~400–600 Mbps peak
- 5G NR with Massive MIMO (64×64) ? multiple Gbps possible
Conclusion
The 5G vs 4G speed difference isn’t just about accessing new spectrum like mmWave. Even on the same LTE bands, 5G outperforms 4G through advanced modulation, wider bandwidth, massive MIMO, beamforming, and smarter coding techniques. In essence, 5G turns the same frequency into a high-speed data superhighway, future-proofing mobile networks for years to come.
FAQ on 5G vs 4G Speeds
Q1. Can 5G really be faster on the same frequency as 4G?
Yes. 5G uses better modulation, coding, and antenna technology, making it faster even without new bands.
Q2. What is the maximum speed of 5G on sub-6 GHz frequencies?
5G on sub-6 GHz can deliver up to 10 Gbps under ideal conditions, though most users see 400 Mbps to 1 Gbps in practice.
Q3. Does 5G always need new spectrum (like mmWave)?
No. 5G can run on existing 4G bands with Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), giving users higher speeds immediately.
Q4. Why is 5G latency lower than 4G?
Because 5G uses shorter transmission intervals (TTIs) and redesigned network architecture, reducing latency to 1 ms or less.
Q5. Will my old 4G SIM work with 5G?
Yes, in most cases. Operators enable 5G on existing 4G SIM cards using DSS and updated network settings.
