Worldwide adoption of 5G is accelerating, with India being the most recent country to hold a 5G spectrum auction. We have gathered some essential resources for you as 5G is becoming more prevalent. You can now find out how to determine which 5G bands your phone supports. In addition, you may get a list of every 5G band supported in India. And in this post, we address whether a new SIM card is required for 5G services or whether a 4G SIM will function in a 5G phone. Let’s get right in to get all the answers, then.
To use 5G, do you need a new SIM card? The Solution Is Here (2022)
In this post, we address the frequently asked subject of whether a new SIM card is required to access the 5G network or not. Expand the table below to learn more about 5G SIM cards because we have also added details based on locations and cell providers.
Should I Change My SIM Card in Order to Use 5G Services?
The simple response to this query is “no.” For 5G services, you don’t need to purchase a new SIM card. There are several challenging issues, nevertheless, that you must remember.
The smart card known as SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), which was first developed during the 2G period, was based on an earlier mobile communication standard. With the launch of 3G, the name was changed to USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module), and the new smart cards were built to the new 3GPP standard. Technically speaking, these more recent SIM cards are also known as Rel 99+ USIM cards, and they support 2G, 3G, 4G, and even 5G networks.
Therefore, when 5G launches in your nation, if you already have a SIM card that functions well with 4G/LTE networks, it will also function with 5G. With your current 4G SIM, you should be able to connect to a 5G network and utilize mobile data and make calls. Nevertheless, some cell operators are requiring that customers switch to new SIM cards in order to utilize expanded 5G capabilities. So what’s up with that?
For greater coverage and speed, a few carriers urge users to purchase a new 5G SIM in order to use Standalone 5G (SA 5G) services. All of the network infrastructure for SA 5G is constructed using the 5G architecture. This network offers near-zero latency, unmatched speed, and improved indoor network coverage.
Having said that, carriers will take many years to deploy SA 5G globally because it is a costly technology. Therefore, you won’t require a new SIM card for 5G anytime soon. For the time being, let’s avoid making any generalizations and instead look at what US and UK mobile providers have to say about buying new 5G SIM cards.
Although T-(US) Mobile’s 5G services are compatible with 4G SIM cards, a 5G SIM card is required to use T-SA Mobile’s 5G services. The business is encouraging 5G users to visit its location to receive a free, immediate replacement.
Verizon (US)
If you already own a 5G phone, you can utilize your 4G SIM to enjoy Verizon’s 5G services. The Verizon network supports 5G without the requirement for a new SIM card.
AT&T (US)
For use on AT&T’s network in the US, you don’t require a brand-new 5G SIM card. You must switch to a 5G data plan, though.
EE (UK)
For use on EE’s network in the UK, a 5G SIM is not required.
O2 (UK)
To utilize its 5G services, O2 is requesting that its customers purchase a 5G SIM. However, if you get an O2 SIM card after 2019 you do not require a 5G SIM. The more recent SIMs are already 5G network enabled. If your device is older, you must purchase a 5G SIM card.
Three (UK)
The UK’s 5G network for Three is already compatible with the company’s 4G SIM cards. You don’t require a brand-new 5G SIM.
Vodafone (UK)
On Vodafone’s network in the UK, you can get faster 5G services without switching to a 5G SIM.
Airtel, Do You Need a New 5G SIM in India? – Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi).
None of the telecom providers in India have stated that a new 5G SIM is required to access 5G services. India is not embracing SA 5G and is instead opting for an indigenous solution called “5Gi,” which is effectively a non-Standalone 5G infrastructure, as we highlighted in our piece on 5G development in India.
So, for Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vi, and the newest entrant, Adani Data Network, you won’t require a 5G SIM in India. However, you might need to purchase a new 5G SIM in the future if one of the Indian carriers decides to launch SA 5G services.
