Google Pixel 5 and LG Wing will get faster speeds on Verizon with an update
If you’re a Verizon subscriber and you own a Pixel 5 or LG Wing, your day is about to get better. That’s because these devices are allegedly set to receive an update that will allow them to access C-band frequencies by the end of 2021 and early 2022.
According to recently uncovered FCC docs, via PC Mag, the Pixel 5 and LG Wing are among the devices sites to get access to faster download speeds. The filings are a “class 2 permissive change,” which the FCC uses to authorize new radio abilities or frequency bands.
PC Mag offers a helpful guide to C-band technology. Essentially, C-band is all frequencies between 4 and 8GHz. “When US wireless geeks talk about C-Band, though, they’re talking about 3.7 to 4.2GHz—and specifically, in this case, the range from 3.7 to 3.98GHz.”
There was recently a bidding war for the licensing rights to C-band frequencies. U.S. carriers reportedly spent more than 80 billion on the technology, although it’s unclear how much each carrier gets access to. PC Mag notes that C-band offers improved speeds over the nationwide 5G networks from Verizon and AT&T, and offer a longer range compared to Verizon’s Ultra-wideband 5G.
PC Mag notes that C-band is an important part of the 5G puzzle. It will add much-needed bandwidth to existing cell sites, so carriers can offer better, more reliable 5G speeds.
It’s been reported that Verizon’s spent around $30 billion to license C-band airwaves, while AT&T spent $20 billion. Meanwhile, T-Mobile reportedly spent $11 billion, although it already has similar airwaves to what’s offered by C-band. The frequencies have already begun to be auctioned off in other parts of the world.
While the Pixel 5 was spotted in FCC’s database, there doesn’t appear to be any changes incoming for the Pixel 4a 5G. The Galaxy S21 series and iPhone 12 series, meanwhile, already feature C-band support in the U.S.
