How to enable or use 5G Ultra-wideband network on Google Pixel in the US

Verizon was the first US carrier to introduce the 5G Ultra-wideband (UWB) network in 2019, and by March 2023, it had expanded to cover over 60 cities. AT&T, another prominent telecom provider in the US, provides this network in over 35 cities. However, getting on the 5G Ultra-wideband isn’t just about its availability in your area; you also need a smartphone that supports this specific network.

For those unaware, carriers in the US have given their own name to this network technology. Verizon calls it 5G UWB, while AT&T and T-Mobile use 5G Plus and 5G Ultra Capacity (UC) marketing names, respectively. Similarly, Warp Speed is the term used by US Mobile.

As of now, not many Google Pixel phones support this network. Even if you have the latest Pixel, you might not get the benefits of high-speed 5G Ultra-wideband. While Google has added Ultra-wideband support to the Pixel 8 Pro, the standard Pixel 8 doesn’t have it. Currently, only the ‘Pro’ models in the Google Pixel range, including the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, or Pixel 8 Pro, allow you to use the 5G Ultra-wideband network.

To enable the 5G Ultra-wideband network on the compatible Pixel device, you first need to check if your carrier supports this network. In the US, 5G Ultra-wideband is available on various networks, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible, Xfinity, and more.

Once you have confirmed the availability of the network in your region, you just need to enable 5G on your device. To do so, open Settings on your Google Pixel and navigate to ‘Network & Internet’. Now, tap on ‘Mobile network’ and select 5G under ‘Preferred network type’.

After enabling 5G on your Google Pixel phone, you also need to make sure you have the right data plan that offers 5G Ultra-wideband network. All the carriers in the US have their own 5G data plans, and you need to pick the one that supports this network.

While you can access Verizon’s 5G with any monthly data plan, you’ll require a special data plan for using Verizon’s Ultra-wideband network. If you want to take advantage of the 5G Ultra-wideband on your compatible Pixel phone, then you’ll have to buy one of the following data plans.

Access to Verizon 5G Ultra-wideband is included with:

• Unlimited Ultimate and Unlimited Plus
• 5G Ultra-Wideband add-on for an additional $10/month with the unlimited plan
• Prepaid plans: $75 Prepaid Unlimited Plus Plan, 100 GB Prepaid Data Plan, 150 GB Prepaid Data Plan

AT&T is the major US carrier that also offers 5G Ultra-wideband network in many cities. The carrier has named their 5G UWB network ‘5G Plus’. And if you want to experience high-speed 5G, then you’ll have to be in the region or city where AT&T’s 5G Plus is available. Users won’t have to pay any extra cost to experience the 5G Plus network. They just need to be in a 5G Plus coverage area, have a compatible device, and get one of their 5G plans.

T-Mobile also offers 5G Ultra-wideband network and they call it 5G UC (Ultra Capacity). To enable this network on T-Mobile, you need to be in their coverage area along with a subscription to their eligible 5G plan.

Visible uses Verizon’s network to provide 5G access to its subscribers. It offers both 5G and 5G Ultra-wideband networks. And those who want to use the 5G Ultra-wideband network can access it by purchasing the Visible+ plan. It offers unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra-wideband network.

Warp Speed is the name that US Mobile uses for its Ultra-Wideband 5G network. And if you are on the US Mobile network and want to experience their fastest 5G network, then you can just opt for any data plan that offers 5G. Of course, you’ll need to be within their coverage area and have a compatible 5G device.

Although Xfinity’s 5G is available nationwide, the mid-band (C-Band) and high-band 5G (Ultra-Wideband) are only available in some areas. Customers can access Xfinity’s 5G Ultra-Wideband network on a compatible 5G smartphone by opting for either the ‘By the Gig’ or ‘Unlimited’ data plan.