Airtel and Jio are not offering 5G data with all plans but are 4G plans still worth it? – India Today

India’s leading telecom providers, including Reliance Jio and Airtel, have announced tariff hikes in their mobile recharge offerings. This means that starting July 3, all mobile recharge plans are becoming more expensive. While the announcement is unconvincing for users, given high inflation, the telcos have also announced restrictions on the offering of 5G data. Both Jio and Airtel have stated that they will now only offer 5G data on prepaid plans providing 2GB of data per day or more.

This means plans with 1.5GB of data per day or less will no longer provide access to 5G internet data, leaving many users questioning the relevance of 4G plans. In the past few years, 5G has become a buzzword, and telecom companies have heavily marketed their 5G expansion. But now, as millions of users experience it, reverting to 4G might feel a bit dated and more expensive too.

However, despite the buzz around 5G and its impressive speed, real-world accessibility and performance issues persist, making 4G plans a viable option for several reasons. Here are a few reasons why recharging with 4G plans will be relevant in the current 5G era.

4G data is offering stability

One of the main advantages of 4G over 5G is stability. Since the rollout of 5G, many users have reported that their networks have become slower and more unreliable. Also, 5G is not yet available in many areas, so constant switching between 4G and 5G networks has led to increased call drops and interruptions in browsing and downloads. On the other hand, the 4G network has more extensive infrastructure and currently offers a more stable and consistent connection, which is important for users who rely on uninterrupted service.

4G network has better coverage

5G technology is better than 4G because it offers high-speed and low-latency capabilities. However, 5G also encounters challenges regarding coverage over longer distances, given the nature of the higher frequency bands it utilises. Higher frequency bands used in 5G, such as millimeter waves, can be easily obstructed by obstacles like buildings and trees. To overcome this challenge, telecom providers need a dense network of small cell towers. This infrastructure becomes challenging, particularly in rural and remote areas, exacerbating the digital divide. For the same reasons, 5G is more common in metro cities. Unlike 5G, 4G, with its lower frequency bands, provides better coverage and is less affected by physical obstructions, and is currently available in more areas across the country.

4G is sufficient for daily data use

For many users, 4G speeds have proved sufficient for daily activities such as browsing, streaming, and using social media. Though 5G has improved video start times and reduced latency for mobile gaming, not many customers require that much speed. For normal data use, 4G still works better and, compared to 5G, 4G data doesn’t end as fast. In one Ookla report, it was highlighted that despite the rapid deployment and increasing availability of 5G, customer satisfaction is declining, suggesting that the perceived benefits of 5G do not always align with user experience. You can read more about the report here: 5G availability and speeds in India are better but customers are still not happy, shows study

We are in the transition period

Right now, we are experiencing a transition period from 4G to 5G, and telecom companies are still working on improving their 5G infrastructure. So the complete shift to 5G is still a long way off. Until the 5G network becomes more stable and widespread, 4G plans remain a practical choice for many users.

All in all, if you opt for 4G plans you will not miss out on much. In Fact you will be saving money and get enough data to get you through the day. Additionally, if you use Wi-Fi at home and work, getting a 4G data pack for emergency use makes more sense instead of spending more on 5G data plans that you might not use that much.

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