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What is 5G UW – Overview
The 5G UW network is Verizon’s fastest network service, available to millions of people in the US. Compatible Android and iPhone devices can use this network service. If the status bar of iPhones and Android devices displays 5G UW, it indicates the devices are connected to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network. UWB (Ultra Wideband) is a technology unrelated to the 5G network status indicator.
What Does 5G UW Mean? – Definition
A few years ago, all the major carriers in the US started rolling out the 5G network as part of their plan. There are multiple types of 5G, such as 5G UC, 5G+, and 5G UW, and it can sometimes be confusing to differentiate between them.
Here is what 5G UW means: The 5G UW network expressly signifies Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network, primarily utilizing the high-band millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies. Verizon has also incorporated mid-band (C-band) frequencies into its 5G offerings. In some devices, the 5G UWB sign also denotes Verizon’s 5G UW network.
Verizon and 5G UW
5G UW initially focused on Verizon’s high-band mmWave network under the Ultra Wideband umbrella. Verizon has expanded its definition to include certain mid-band (C-band) frequencies to provide a broader, more reliable 5G coverage. Though Verizon tried to promote this network, it only exists in limited areas, and the signal is tough to find. In 2022, Verizon introduced the mid-band 5G network in major cities as ultra-wideband.
The 5G UW icon on your phone indicates that your device is connected to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network. This network can include high-band mmWave and, more recently, mid-band C-band frequencies. If you are connected to mmWave, you will notice a huge difference in data speed.
Low Frequency, C-Band and mmWave
What Is 5G UW – Low Frequency, C-Band and mmWave
5G connections can rely on different spectrums and operate at different frequencies. The 5G network frequencies can be split into three different ranges.
The first is the low-frequency spectrum, which includes anything under about 4GHz. It can travel a long distance and penetrate any obstacle, including large buildings. The low-frequency spectrum is more convenient and easy to use, and it can help develop widespread 5G coverage.
Low-frequency 5G offers widespread coverage with moderate speeds. While average download speeds might hover around 100 Mbps, they can exceed 200 Mbps under optimal conditions, depending on several factors, such as device capabilities and network congestion.
You must move to a higher frequency spectrum, like the C-band to receive a higher speed. The C-band is a mid-frequency or mid-band that covers the 4-8 GHz frequency range. The carriers in the US consider the 3.7-3.98 GHz range to be the C-band.
This range can increase your network speed. However, it is less effective than the lower frequency at passing all obstacles or serving in a long range. TechRadar recorded 474.51 Mbps speed using the C-band 5G network, which is mainly used all the time.
The third one is millimeter wave or mmWave. It refers to the frequency of 24 GHz and higher. This spectrum is not widely used like the lower frequency. The usage of mmWave is quite limited in the US. You can get a speed of over 1 Gbps and the best user experience with mmWave.
However, offering mmWave can sometimes be tricky. Its multiple disadvantages make it less popular and less used. First, it cannot cover long distances and performs poorly with obstacles or large buildings.
What About Sub-6GHZ
‘Sub-6GHz’ refers to frequencies below 6 GHz, including low-band (under 1 GHz) and mid-band (1 GHz to 6 GHz) spectrums, widely used for 5G deployment. These low frequencies fall into the low band or a closely related category.
Difference Between 5G Ultra Wideband and Ultra Wideband
5G UW or 5G Ultra Wideband is a term that Verizon strictly uses for marketing purposes. It is unrelated to Ultra Wideband (UWB) Radio Technology.
Ultra Wideband is a radio technology that requires a broad spectrum of frequencies. In addition, it operates at a low power level. It makes Ultra Wideband an ideal NFC or Near Field Communications Technology replacement.
However, ‘5G UW’ or ‘5G Ultra Wideband’ is a marketing term Verizon uses for its highest-capacity 5G network services utilizing mmWave technology. ‘5G UC is a term used by AT&T to denote its 5G network capabilities, unrelated to Ultra Wideband or Verizon. Verizon chose this name because it seems incredible to promote its fastest 5G network services.
Conclusion
Verizon offers the 5G UW network as one of the fastest 5G services, leveraging Ultra Wideband technology to provide high-speed internet access. The term 5G UW indicates 5G ultra wideband. Your connection to the fastest network is confirmed if your device shows the 5G UW icon.
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