When it comes to abbreviations in communications technology, the letter G is causing some confusion, especially when it’s paired with the number five — as in 5G, 5 Gig or 5 Gbps, and 5GHz. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in your confusion. While these terms sound similar, they refer to three very different technologies. Hopefully this will help clear things up for you.

The G in 5 Gbps stands for Gigabits, as in gigabits per second, which is a measurement of internet speed. A 5 Gbps internet plan, also referred to as 5 Gig (equivalent to 5,000 Mbps), is an ultra-fast speed available through fiber optic cables. It supports exceptionally high-demand online activities, such as live streaming, gaming, and content creation. In today’s ever-growing smart homes, having the fastest speeds available is a must.

The G in 5G stands for generation. This refers to the fifth generation of wireless data networks (the network your phone uses to access the internet and receive cell service). The fifth generation is a step up from the fourth generation of wireless data, which is referred to as 4G or 4G LTE. There are several factors that can adversely affect speeds with 5G service, including network congestion and line-of-sight issues from obstacles such as buildings or terrain. Even inclement weather can slow things down.

The G in 5GHz stand for gigahertz — a Wi-Fi frequency. Wi-Fi comes in two frequencies, 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz, to carry Wi-Fi signals. 2.4GHz has a longer range, but the network can get crowded quickly, resulting in slower speeds. While 5GHz Wi-Fi is faster and better at penetrating network interference, it sometimes can struggle to travel through certain types of walls and has a shorter range of coverage than 2.4GHz. It’s important to have a current updated wireless router that handles both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Our Blast Wi-Fi Plus not only delivers ultimate coverage and ultimate performance, it’s also fully managed by us, for a completely worry-free Wi-Fi experience.