5G

5G is the newest generation of wireless technology for mobile telecommunications. On this page, we explain the concept of 5G, how it differs from previous network generations, and how you can access the many benefits that 5G offers. We will also break down the differences between 5G SA (Standalone Access) and 5G NSA (Non-Standalone Access) to help you understand how this technology is evolving to provide even better connectivity.

What is 5G?

The fifth-generation network, commonly known as 5G, is a significant advancement over the 4G LTE networks we have used for years. However, 5G is built on entirely different technology than previous generations. This allows it to offer substantially higher speeds, greater capacity, and much lower latency.

Did you know? Latency is a term used to describe the “lag” or the time between a command and an action. For example, when you “like” a post on Instagram, there is a tiny delay before it registers. 5G can achieve response times as low as a few milliseconds, compared to roughly 35 milliseconds on 4G.

Today, all major national carriers in Canada, as well as regional providers, operate active 5G networks. Keep in mind that not all individual service plans include 5G access, so it is best to verify with your specific provider. To connect to a 5G network, you will also need a 5G-compatible device.

What does 5G+ mean?

You may also see a 5G+ icon on your device. This indicates you are connected to the high-capacity mid-band spectrum (3500 MHz or 3800 MHz), which offers the fastest consumer speeds available in Canada today.

How does 5G differ from previous networks?

The primary differences between 5G and older networks are speed, capacity, and response times. Because these networks use different underlying technologies, the performance jump is significant.

While 4G LTE paved the way for the mobile data we use today, its capacity is no longer enough to meet Canada’s growing digital demands. 5G utilizes higher frequency bands, specifically the 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz mid-band spectrum (which offers the ideal balance of speed and coverage) and millimetre wave (mmWave) for ultra-high speeds in dense urban hubs. These higher frequencies allow 5G to provide faster downloads, minimal lag, and a more stable connection even in crowded places.

A higher frequency also enables a technology called beamforming. Instead of broadcasting signals in all directions (like 4G does), beamforming allows the network to direct data streams straight to your connected device. This makes much more efficient use of signal strength and reduces interference.

What does MIMO mean for 5G?

The massive capacity of 5G is largely thanks to Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. This technology uses a large number of antennas at the cell site to handle multiple data signals simultaneously. It is similar to the MU-MIMO technology used in modern home Wi-Fi routers to keep multiple phones, laptops, and smart TVs connected at high speeds at the same time.

By combining higher frequencies with MIMO, 5G not only boosts data speeds but also improves “throughput,” meaning fewer bottlenecks when many people are using the network in the same area, such as at a hockey game or a concert.

How much faster is 5G compared to 4G?

On paper, 5G is capable of being up to 20 times faster than 4G. While 4G has a theoretical top speed of 1 Gbps, 5G can theoretically reach up to 20 Gbps. However, these are laboratory maximums and not what the average consumer typically sees in daily use.

In real-world Canadian conditions, it is now common to see download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps in major urban centres thanks to the full deployment of 5G+ spectrum. While we aren’t hitting the theoretical 20 Gbps on smartphones yet, the experience is significantly smoother than the 4G era

A major driver of this performance in 2026 is 5G SA (Standalone Access), which most Canadian carriers have now fully integrated into their networks.

What is 5G SA?

5G SA uses a dedicated 5G core network, meaning the technology is completely independent of 4G infrastructure. This is often called “True 5G.” It is what allows for the ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity that the fifth generation originally promised.

What is 5G NSA?

5G NSA (Non-Standalone) was the initial transition technology used in Canada. It allowed carriers to launch 5G services more quickly by using existing 4G core infrastructure to “anchor” the 5G signal. While it provided a speed boost, it didn’t offer the full latency and efficiency benefits of the 5G SA networks we see today.

The advantages of 5G SA compared to 5G NSA

  • Faster upload and download speeds
  • Better performance in crowded areas (higher density)
  • Enhanced end-to-end security and encryption
  • Improved battery life for mobile devices (more energy efficient)

What is happening to 4G, 3G, and 2G?

As of 2026, the Canadian wireless landscape has been fully modernized to prioritize 5G and high-speed 4G LTE.

  • 2G networks: Canadian carriers decommissioned 2G technology years ago. It is no longer in use for mobile service anywhere in Canada.
  • 3G networks: The 3G sunset in Canada is complete. Major providers deactivated their 3G infrastructure by early 2026 to repurpose that spectrum for 5G expansion. Consequently, 3G-only devices no longer connect to any mobile services.
  • 4G (LTE): 4G isn’t going anywhere. It continues to provide a reliable foundation for mobile coverage, especially in rural and remote areas, and it has been continuously updated to work seamlessly alongside 5G.

Is your device ready for VoLTE and VoNR?

With the retirement of 3G networks across Canada, voice calls are now handled through VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Furthermore, as carriers expand their 5G Standalone (SA) networks in 2026, a newer standard called VoNR (Voice over New Radio) is becoming the norm. VoNR allows your device to stay on the 5G network during a call, offering even faster connection times and superior audio clarity.

To remain functional on any Canadian network, your device must at least support VoLTE for calls, texts, and data. Most importantly, this technology is required to reach emergency services (911). 

This is also a critical consideration for Canadians travelling to the United States; since American carriers have already decommissioned their legacy networks, older phones without VoLTE or VoNR capabilities will not be able to roam south of the border. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend upgrading to a modern 5G device that supports these latest voice standards.