On a 5G phone you'll notice two big benefits: faster speeds and quicker response times. On average, 5G is 10-15 percent faster than 4G LTE. With 5G+ you'll experience ultrafast data – it's about 10 times or more faster than 4G LTE – with an average speed of over 1 Gbps. And responses are almost instantaneous! You'll enjoy smoother streaming, quicker uploads, more realistic video, and minimal delays.
Your 5G experience may change as you travel, depending on whether you’re on 5G+ or 5G.
Cellcom has offered 5G phones for a few years, so you might already have a device that supports this new technology. If you do, you may need a software update and new SIM card to experience 5G when you're in an area with coverage.
If you don't have a 5G phone and you're ready to update, we have options at every price point!
Our 5G Coverage Map
We rolled out 5G in a portion of our service area and will continue to expand our 5G service area in the months and years to come. Check out our coverage map to see if you're in a 5G service area and watch for more areas to be added.
Our 5G network will also have a positive impact on your 4G experience. Customers throughout Northeastern Wisconsin now have enhanced service. 5G will complement and work in tandem with 4G for years to come.
* Within the 4G LTE & Advanced Calling coverage area certain conditions may cause your 5G/4G LTE device to connect to 2G/3G. Devices that do not support 2G/3G may have no data, messaging or voice coverage in this area, including access to emergency calling and Text-to-911.
5G: 5G service not available in all markets. Performance. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Coverage depicted, as of 11/1/23, is for Cellcom data and messaging services and the following calling plans: Premium Unlimited, Lifestyle Unlimited, USAmerica, Share & Advance Pay. This map is not a guarantee of coverage and may not reflect actual customer performance. Performance characteristics of each network can be found here. Calls originating in your calling plan's home area and terminating outside the home area are subject to long distance charges. Calls originating outside your calling plan's home area are subject to roaming and long-distance changes. Please see a sales representative for details. The coverage areas depicted are approximate and require the latest software/PRL. To inquire about specific service availability in a geographical area, contact Cellcom Customer Care at (800) 236-0055. Geographic terrain, weather conditions, and type of equipment may affect cellular coverage. Wireless service is subject to technological limitations including capacity and tower availability. Some of the coverage areas include networks run by other carriers, and the depiction of coverage is based on such other carriers' information. As such, Cellcom cannot guarantee the accuracy of the coverage depiction in all areas.
Still Have Questions?
Check out the FAQs below or call 611 from your Cellcom phone for more information.
5G is the next generation of mobile networks and it's expected to be transformational. On a 5G phone you'll notice two big benefits: faster speeds and rapid response times. On average, 5G is 10-15 percent faster than 4G LTE and 5G+ is 10 times or more faster than 4G LTE, with an average speed of over 1 Gbps!
Cellcom is offering 5G in two versions: 5G and 5G+. With 5G+ you’ll experience ultrafast data. It’s about 10 times or more faster than 4G LTE, with an average speed of over 1 Gbps — responses are almost instantaneous! You’ll enjoy smoother streaming, quicker uploads, more realistic video, and minimal delays. On 5G you’ll have speeds that, on average, are 10-15 percent faster than 4G. You’ll generally find 5G+ in more urban areas and in venues that hold large crowds such sport arenas and concert halls, and 5G will be common in rural settings. Your 5G experience may change as you travel, depending on whether you’re on 5G+ or 5G.
Cellcom has 5G in areas throughout the U.S. We'll continue to expand our 5G coverage both locally and nationally in the months and years to come. We're committed to bringing 5G to cities and rural communities.
You must have a 5G phone to experience 5G. You'll also need to have 5G software installed and Cellcom's latest SIM card in your phone. Check to see if your phone is 5G. You may need to do an over-the-air software update and stop in a Cellcom store for a new SIM.
If you don’t have a 5G phone and you’re ready to upgrade, we have 5G phone options at every price point! View our current lineup.
No, you will not automatically experience 5G. In addition to having a 5G phone and being in an area where Cellcom has 5G coverage, you'll also need 5G software and the latest SIM.
To access Cellcom’s 5G network you must have the latest Cellcom SIM card. There are two ways to determine if you have the necessary SIM card:
Learn more about getting a new SIM card at Cellcom.com/newSIM.
Yes. You will still be able to use your 4G device after 5G rolls out; you just can’t take advantage of 5G benefits. You may notice an enhanced experience because our 5G preparations also benefit 4G users. 5G will not replace 4G. It will complement and work in tandem with 4G for years to come.
Connecting to multiple networks can require more power, which can cause your battery to drain faster or your device to feel warm. This will continue to improve as networks and devices are optimized for the new technology. Device manufacturers have accounted for this in current devices and have features to optimize battery life and data usage.
Visit cellcom.com/map to see where Cellcom has 5G today. We'll continue to expand 5G coverage in other communities and nationally in the months and years to come.
No, there is no additional charge for 5G. All 5G usage counts towards your plan’s data allotment.
5G access is included at no additional charge in the following plans: Premium Unlimited, Smart Data Plan, Lifeline Plus, Tribal Lifeline Plus, Advance Pay Talk/Text, Business Premium Unlimited and Share Plus. All 5G usage counts toward your plan’s data allotment.
When you choose the simpler, quieter pace of a smaller community, you still want and need access to the same technology found in urban areas. Cellcom has always been committed to serving our rural customers and we plan to maintain this commitment as we rollout 5G. Rural communities are already included in Cellcom's 5G coverage area and we will be rolling out to more rural communities and nationally in the months and years to come.
Whether you’re in the city, enjoying the slower pace of a rural community or relaxing in the Northwoods, you’re going to appreciate the two big benefits of 5G: faster speeds and rapid response times. But just how much faster your 5G experience is compared to 4G will vary.
On 5G you’ll have speeds that, on average, are 10-15 percent faster than 4G.
With 5G+ you’ll experience ultrafast data – about 10 times or more faster than 4G — with an average speed of more than 1 Gbps. You’ll enjoy smoother streaming, faster video uploads, and more responsive gaming.
You’ll generally find 5G+ in more urban areas and in venues that hold large crowds such sport arenas and concert halls, and 5G will be more common in rural settings.
As you travel your 5G experience may change depending on whether you’re on 5G+ or 5G.
Yes. All roaming partner coverage is shown on Cellcom.com/map.