Carrier AT&T Enabling 5G on Non-Unlimited Plans? Edit: Looks Like a False Alarm

[jetsam]

Edit:
It appears I have the settings for 5G, but not the service. Boo!


I haven't read anything about this here (apologies if I missed it), but over on Howardforums AT&T customers have noticed that non-unlimited plans now have the 5G options enabled under Cellular settings.

I have a 12 Pro on an old 2GB Mobile Share Advantage Plan. Since it was pointed out on Howardforums, I checked, and my cellular settings now include 5G. I don't live in an AT&T 5G area (by about 500 feet!), but I hope to test it out later today.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Confirmed

 

[jaytv111]

Just because the option is there doesn't mean you actually get access to it. I had the 5G options available after I switched to an eSIM (I got it switched on Sunday) but my phone only connected to LTE until I switched to a 5G plan (I switched it today, I was supposed to switch it on Sunday but it didn't go through).

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Use 5G with your iPhone - Apple Support

iPhone 12 models or later work with the 5G cellular networks of certain carriers. Learn how to use 5G cellular service.

support.apple.com

 

[jetsam]

Just because the option is there doesn't mean you actually get access to it. I had the 5G options available after I switched to an eSIM (I got it switched on Sunday) but my phone only connected to LTE until I switched to a 5G plan (I switched it today, I was supposed to switch it on Sunday but it didn't go through).

Darn it - looks like you're right. I took a drive to an area that AT&T has marked as 5G on their map - and all I got was 5Ge - AT&T's fake name for LTE.

I tried various things - like setting 5G to 5G On, and restarting the phone - all to no avail.

 

[jaytv111]

Darn it - looks like you're right. I took a drive to an area that AT&T has marked as 5G on their map - and all I got was 5Ge - AT&T's fake name for LTE.

I tried various things - like setting 5G to 5G On, and restarting the phone - all to no avail.

Exactly, I didn't have to reboot my phone either. It just switched to 5G a minute after changing the plan.

I'll say that AT&T must either have crappy 5G or great LTE because the speed improvement is non-existent directly comparing the two with supposedly full bars. So if you like the plan you're on consider keeping it because AT&T doesn't have great 5G speeds and 4G LTE speeds are pretty good as is (they might be the fastest carrier for LTE, but the slowest for 5G).

 

[jetsam]

I'll say that AT&T must either have crappy 5G or great LTE because the speed improvement is non-existent directly comparing the two with supposedly full bars. So if you like the plan you're on consider keeping it because AT&T doesn't have great 5G speeds and 4G LTE speeds are pretty good as is (they might be the fastest carrier for LTE, but the slowest for 5G).

Your observation about AT&T's LTE vs 5G performance is the prevailing wisdom, from what I've read.

My interest in 5G is more academic than practical - I'm not going off my grandfathered $83/month 2GB MSA family plan until they make me!