5G subscription but getting only LTE

[DMCTWL1]

I have a 5G plan but my 5G Pixel 7a phone says the connection is only LTE even when I set the connection preference to 5G. I am smak in the middle of Toronto where one would expect 5G service to be optimum. Is PM 5G really only LTE or is LTE being rebranded as 5G?

[softech]

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@DMCTWL1 wrote:

Pixel 7a does not have volteLTE. Choices are 5G, LTE or 3G. The bar on the top occasionally shows LTE+ and most times show no 5G or 3G.

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@DMCTWL1 

it is known Telus/PM is hiding the VoLTE toggle on Pixel but they will push to enable it, they just hiding it.  Same with iPhone.

[DMCTWL1]

LTE or LTE+ sometimes but never 5G inside or out of building. Download speeds with wifi off ...90-150mbps and upload from 10-30 Mbps.

[DMCTWL1]

Pixel 7a does not have volteLTE. Choices are 5G, LTE or 3G. The bar on the top occasionally shows LTE+ and most times show no 5G or 3G.

[dust2dust]

My experience with 5G is that while not having mobile data on it doesn't indicate anything special. When I turn on mobile data then I get a 5G symbol in the top status bar. That tells me that it's really just the data that uses 5G. And of course that volte uses LTE. Do you know if your phone is enabled for volte yet?

[BKNS27]

@DMCTWL1 

Are you getting the 4G/LTE while you are inside a building?

Try seeing if you are getting 5G while outside.

[DMCTWL1]

Thanks for the info.

[softech · Accepted solution]

@DMCTWL1 

no worry, the 5G preferred network settings is in fact 5G Auto.  It means the device will choose 5G only when it thinks it is needed.  One reason for this is to save battery.  It is much battery friend to use 4G than 5G    And if you move around the city, you will see 5G at some point

And even you are on LTE, if you do speed test, it will be faster than a 4G capped speed of 100Mbps

[Handy1]

@DMCTWL1  If you’re on a 5 G plan and only seeing 4G on the network connection . Know that you will still get faster speed then if you were  on 4G plan . Also make sure you in a 5G area 

5G  coverage map

add I’m in 4G plan and sometimes pick up 5G notice my pick on 5G connection with 4 G service