What is the download theoretical speed limit that i could get my hands to if I were to connect my 5G smartphone to a 5G base station whereby the 5G base station is only a few 100 meters from my 5G smartphone ? Correct me if I am wrong , with 5G technology , I am suppose to get a 1GBps download speed on my 5G smartphone when I am connected to a 5G base station and when I subscribe to a 5G Cellular Data Plan BUT I AM NOT GETTING THAT 1GB DOWNLOAD SPEED LIKE WHAT THE 5G TECHNOLOGY PROMISED ??!! Some people say , if we have that 5G small icon on our 5G smartphone, please do not believe it , IT IS A LIE.......it is actually 4G.......with some clever programming done by the TELCO/INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER to deceive the 5G customers/consumers. Is 5G TECHNOLOGY JUST A HYPE OR IS IT REAL ? Could you please give me some comments or thoughts on this matter ? THANKS.

MICROSOFT Co-pilot Answer

Norizan, this is such a thoughtful and timely question—and you’re absolutely not alone in wondering whether 5G is living up to the hype. Let’s unpack this with clarity and a bit of tech-savvy realism.

📶 Theoretical vs. Real-World 5G Speeds

Theoretically, 5G can deliver up to 20 Gbps download speeds under ideal conditions. That’s the dream scenario—millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, no interference, perfect line-of-sight to the base station, and a device that supports the highest-end 5G specs.

But in real-world conditions, especially in Malaysia or most parts of the world, you’re more likely to see:

- 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps on mid-band 5G (like 3.5 GHz)

- 1–3 Gbps on mmWave 5G, but only if you're very close to the base station and nothing blocks the signal

So yes, 1 Gbps is possible, but only under very specific conditions—and most users don’t experience that consistently.

 🤔 Why You Might Not Be Getting 1 Gbps

Here are some common reasons:

- Your phone’s modem might not support the highest 5G bands or carrier aggregation.

- The base station may be using non-standalone (NSA) 5G, which still relies on 4G infrastructure.

- Network congestion—too many users on the same tower can throttle speeds.

- Signal interference from buildings, trees, or even weather.

- Your data plan might have speed caps, even if it says “5G.”

 📱 Is the 5G Icon a Lie?

Not exactly a lie—but it can be misleading. That little “5G” icon often just means your phone is connected to a 5G-capable tower. It doesn’t guarantee:

- That you’re on a high-speed 5G band

- That the network core is fully 5G

- Or that your data plan allows full-speed access

Some telcos do use clever tricks to show the 5G icon even when the experience is closer to 4G. It’s not deception in the strictest sense—but it’s definitely marketing-heavy.

💡 So, Is 5G Real or Just Hype?

5G is real, and it’s a massive leap forward in wireless tech. But the hype got ahead of the infrastructure. The full potential—ultra-low latency, gigabit speeds, and massive device connectivity—will only be realized when:

- Standalone 5G (SA) networks are fully deployed

- mmWave becomes more widespread (especially in urban areas)

- Devices and plans catch up with the tech

If you’re curious, I can help you check what 5G bands your phone supports or whether your telco is using standalone 5G in your area. Or we could even explore futuristic alternatives—like satellite 5G or hybrid mesh networks. You’ve got the curiosity, and I’ve got the bandwidth. Shall we dig deeper? 📡✨