The 5G rollout is well underway, but there's already a next big thing. mmWave 5G. So what exactly is mmWave 5G, why does it matter, and is it worth getting excited about? Here's everything you need to know.
What is mmWave 5G?
Just in case 5G seemed a bit too simple, there are multiple kinds of 5G with different characteristics. mmWave 5G is the fastest form of 5G, operating on incredibly high frequencies such as 26GHz. It can already reach speeds over 4Gbps, and there's potential for it to deliver speeds over 20Gbps. mmWave 5G also promises the lowest latency of any 5G connection type.
In simple terms, latency is perhaps best described as the time it takes information to get from your phone to the wider internet and back again. The typical latency for a normal 5G connection is around 20 milliseconds, whereas this could get as low as 1 millisecond with mmWave.
Lower latency will help facilitate the development of technology where instantaneous responses are required, such as self-driving cars and remote surgery.
mmWave 5G does however have the shortest range of any 5G technology, and can have issues penetrating buildings.
For comparison, all Australian 5G networks predominantly rely on sub 6 5G, which is also known as mid-band 5G. Sub 6 5G runs on similar frequencies to what 4G network uses right now, but on the higher end of the spectrum.
Our telcos are using 3.5GHz spectrum for their 5G networks. It's not as fast as mmWave 5G (but can still reach speeds over 1Gbps) and has less issue penetrating walls.
When will mmWave 5G be available in Australia?
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all have a limited number of towers that have mmWave 5G coverage. These tend to be in capital city CBDs and other high density areas.
How fast is mmWave 5G?
In local trials, Telstra has achieved speeds of around 3Gbps when testing mmWave. That's roughly 3,000Mbps, or 30 times as fast as the maximum speed of an NBN 100 connection. For comparison, in our testing, Sub 6 5G devices have typically maxed out under 1Gbps in real world conditions.
It is expected that mmWave 5G could eventually deliver speeds over 20Gbps.
Are there downsides to mmWave 5G?
While you'll be able to get lightning fast speeds and lower latency on mmWave 5G, the high frequencies mean it has a shorter range than regular 5G and an even harder time penetrating buildings.
What devices support mmWave 5G?
At this stage, there are very few devices that support mmWave 5G available in Australia. The Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro are the only phones launched here that can connect to mmWave networks.
Even when international variants have offered mmWave support - with the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23, for example - manufacturers haven't brought these variants to Australia. While you could theoretically import an iPhone 14 or Galaxy S23 from the US if you really wanted mmWave support on your phone, we'd say it isn't worth the effort.
Telstra also has two portable 5G modems with mmWave 5G support: the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro and the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro.
Should I wait for a mmWave phone?
There's no need to wait for an mmWave phone. Coverage is extremely limited, and device manufacturers have been reluctant to launch devices with mmWave capabilities in Australia. There's no telling when this will change.
Will mmWave 5G cost more than regular 5G?
Charging extra for faster speeds on mobile plans is becoming increasingly common in Australia. Telstra, for example, limits most of its prepaid plans to 150Mbps, and its cheapest Upfront plan to 250Mbps. If you want an uncapped plan (one that would be capable of achieving mmWave speeds with the right device), you need to be on one of its most expensive plans.
All Telstra network providers now have speed caps on their cheaper plans, and we're starting to see Optus and its MVNOs implement a similar strategy.
Is mmWave 5G an NBN alternative?
While 5G is already capable as an NBN alternative, mmWave could further enhance its viability as telcos will be able to bid for greater allocations of mmWave spectrum at the upcoming auction.
For example, Telstra purchased 1000MHz of 26GHz spectrum used to deploy mmWave. Telstra owns 60MHz of 3.5Ghz spectrum in major cities - which it currently uses to deliver its existing 5G network, and 20MHz of 700Mhz spectrum - which it uses for 4G, for comparison. The greater amount of spectrum a telco holds, the less chance of congestion, which is especially important when trying to replace a fixed line connection.
Optus has already done trials where it has used mmWave to facilitate business-grade 5G internet connections. In these tests, it achieved initial download speeds of 2.5Gbps. That's ten times faster than the typical evening speeds it advertises on its standard 5G home internet plans. Optus mmWave internet plans are not commercially available yet, however.
In addition, NBN Co is exploring mmWave 5G as a way to evolve its Fixed Wireless technology type. In a proof of concept test, the network builder says it achieved a stable mmWave 5G transmission with speeds of close to 1Gbps over a distance of 7.3km.
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of mobile phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
