5G internet glossary

5G

The fifth generation of cellular network technology. It carries phone calls and mobile data, and it can deliver home and business internet to a router at a fixed address.

5G home internet

Broadband delivered over the cellular network to a router in your home, instead of through a cable. Also called fixed wireless 5G.

Fixed wireless internet

Internet service delivered by radio signal to a receiver at a set service address, as opposed to a cable or fiber line. 5G home internet is one kind.

Address qualification

The check of your exact address against the network before service is sold, to see which plans the signal there can support.

Mbps

Megabits per second, the usual measure of internet speed. Mac5G plan speeds are download ceilings: “up to” the listed Mbps.

Download speed

How fast data reaches you — streaming, browsing, downloads. It is the figure Mac5G plans are rated by.

Latency

The delay, in milliseconds, before a connection responds. Lower latency makes video calls and online games feel more immediate.

Data allowance

The amount of data a plan includes each month. Home Lite includes 20GB and Home 30GB; after that, speed slows until the next month, with no overage bills.

Unlimited data

A plan with no monthly data cap and no overage charges. Home Plus and Home Max are unlimited.

Failover

The automatic or manual switch from a main internet connection to a backup when the main one fails.

Dual SIM

A router with two SIM cards that can switch to the second network when the first one drops.

Wi-Fi extender

A device that repeats your Wi-Fi signal to reach rooms far from the router.

Autopay discount

$5.00 off every Mac5G internet plan each month when the bill is paid automatically.

Phone-line discount

Another $5.00 off each Mac5G internet plan every month with an active Mac5G phone line on the same account.

Router rental

Using an eligible Mac5G router for $14.99 a month instead of buying it outright. It goes back when service ends.

All 5G internet guides