You can use 5G network even if you don’t have 5G package, and the traffic will be deducted from the 4G package.

According to China News Service on January 15, users can still use the 5G network even if they have not subscribed to a 5G package.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's WeChat official account "Gongxin Micro News": If you are currently using a 4G package, as long as your 5G phone is set up correctly and within the 5G network coverage, you can also access the 5G network. If you use a 5G package, you can enjoy faster 5G network services. The consumed traffic can be deducted from the user's existing 4G package.

The report also said that because the speed of mobile networks is affected by time, location, and the number of people online at the same time, it is difficult to clearly determine whether the speed will increase after the 5G network logo appears on the phone. An operator customer service said that now mobile phone users need three conditions to use the faster 5G network speed: using a 5G terminal, being in an area with 5G network coverage, and activating a 5G package. All three are indispensable.

Regarding the issue of "you can use the 5G network without a 5G package", an internal staff of an operator revealed that this has always been the case, but it has not been made public. "It is not recommended to do this. It is better to apply for a 5G package because the unit price of 5G package traffic is relatively lower. There are also 4G mobile phone users who have opened a 5G package specifically for this purpose."

According to data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, in December 2020, 18.2 million 5G mobile phones were shipped in the domestic market, accounting for 68.4% of mobile phone shipments in the same period. In 2020, the cumulative shipments of 5G mobile phones in the domestic market reached 163 million, accounting for 52.9%.

About 5G Basics

Q1: How can I use 5G services?

A: After users change to 5G mobile phones, they can enjoy 5G basic services in areas covered by the 5G network. If they order a 5G package, they can enjoy a faster 5G Internet experience.

Q2: Where are there 5G networks now? Is there 5G network where I am?

Answer: At present, all prefecture-level cities and some key county towns in the country have achieved 5G network coverage. You can check the 5G network coverage around you through the operator's customer service hotline, mobile business hall or business hall.

Q3: Do I need to replace my original SIM card to use a 5G mobile phone?

A: Operators have launched 5G express services. After 4G users switch to 5G phones, they can turn on the 5G switch and access the 5G network without changing the card or number. After ordering a 5G package, you can enjoy a faster 5G Internet experience.

About 5G Terminal

Q4: Can a 5G mobile phone only use the 5G services of one operator?

A: Generally speaking, the same 5G mobile phone supports 5G services provided by different operators, but a 5G mobile phone can only connect to the 5G network provided by one operator at the same time. Please refer to the mobile phone manufacturer for details.

Q5: The "5G" logo is displayed on my 5G mobile phone, but I am using a 4G package. Am I using the 5G network?

A: If you are currently using a 4G package, as long as your 5G phone is set up correctly and within the 5G network coverage, you can also access the 5G network. If you use a 5G package, you can enjoy faster 5G network services.

Q6: I am using a 4G mobile phone, can I use the 5G package?

Answer: If you are using a 4G mobile phone, you can subscribe to a 5G package, but due to the limitations of the mobile network standard you are using, you will not be able to enjoy 5G network services.

About 5G Package

Q7: Are 5G packages much more expensive than 4G packages?

A: Currently, the 5G packages of the three operators start at 128 yuan and are divided into 7 levels, with a maximum traffic of 300GB. The tariff standards and package contents of 5G packages of different levels are different. Compared with 4G packages of the same level, 5G packages contain more traffic resources, more favorable traffic unit prices, and provide 5G network, services, business, membership and other rights and interests. According to statistics, the traffic unit price has dropped from 8.2 yuan/GB in 2018 to 4.4 yuan/GB in 2020, a decrease of 46.4%. Users can choose the appropriate 5G package according to their actual needs.

Q8: If I join the network now, can I only apply for a 5G package?

Answer: The three operators provide a tariff product system that combines 4G/5G and covers all high, medium and low-end prices. New users can freely order 4G and 5G packages sold by the operators according to their needs.

Q9: After upgrading to a 5G package, can I change back to the original 4G package?

A: If the package currently used by the user has no contract restrictions, you can change it to any 4G or 5G package on sale according to your needs; if the package currently used by the user has contract restrictions, you can change the package, transfer the contract in advance, terminate the contract in advance, etc. according to the contract agreement. If the 4G package originally used by the user is currently out of stock, it cannot be changed to the original package.

Q10: After using the 5G package, can I apply for the “number portability” service?

Answer: The use of 5G packages itself does not affect the number portability service. Users can apply for number portability as long as they meet the relevant conditions specified in the "Implementation Rules for Number Portability Services", that is, they must meet the conditions of no network restriction agreement, no arrears, normal number status, and real-name registration.

About 5G network speed

Q11: What are the 5G Internet speeds provided by operators? How are the services provided?

Answer: Currently, operators usually divide 5G network services into 2-3 levels according to the speed. The peak downlink speed ranges from 300Mbps to 1Gbps. Different 5G packages correspond to different 5G network services. Users can choose according to their needs.

Q12: Why do you feel that 5G Internet access is not particularly fast?

A: Generally speaking, the peak downlink rate of 5G network is more than 10 times that of 4G. The specific network speed is determined by factors such as the performance of your 5G mobile phone, the selected 5G package, the 5G network coverage in your location, and the number of users using it at the same time.

Q13: After operators promoted 5G, it feels like the 4G network speed has slowed down. Is it "speed-limited"?

Answer: The three operators have always conscientiously implemented the national requirements for speeding up and reducing fees, and are committed to providing high-quality network services. They have not reduced the speed of 4G networks, so please feel free to use them.

About 5G traffic

Q14: The operator claims that 5G has a very fast speed, so will the data in the package be used up all at once? What should I do if the data is not enough?

A: Traffic consumption depends on the size of the content resources themselves. When users view the same pictures, videos, and other content on a 5G network, the traffic generated is the same as that on a 4G network. 5G does not generate more traffic because of its faster speed. While the 5G network brings a better experience, please pay attention to the remaining traffic in a timely manner. If the traffic is not enough, it is recommended to choose a suitable traffic package or package through the customer service hotline or mobile business hall.

Q15: If I use up all the data in a 5G package, how will I be charged?

A: When the user's traffic usage exceeds the package, the user will be charged according to the out-of-package traffic billing rules of the package he/she subscribed to, usually 3 yuan/GB to 5 yuan/GB.