Why the 5G symbol on your phone doesn't mean you have 5G

Published: 10/28/2025
Why the 5G symbol on your phone doesn't mean you have 5G
Many phones displaying the 5G symbol may not actually be using a 5G connection, with some reverting to 4G, according to recent research findings by PolicyTracker shared on BBC's Morning Live. While 5G promises faster internet speeds, mobile users may not be experiencing the full potential due to network limitations. New "standalone 5G" services aim to offer consistent high-speed connectivity, but users may need to invest in specific phone plans with potentially higher costs to access this improved performance.