4G vs 5G in Canada 2025: What You Need to Know
As Canada strides into a new era of digital connectivity, the rollout of 5G networks across the nation marks a pivotal transformation in our telecommunication landscape. This evolution from 4G to 5G is not just a step but a giant leap, offering Canadians unprecedented speeds and reliability that promise to reshape how we connect, communicate, and consume digital content.
If you’re deciding between upgrading your mobile connection or improving your home setup, our new guide on Wi-Fi 6 in Canada explains how modern Wi-Fi affects speed, coverage, streaming, and smart home devices.
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Comparing 4G and 5G in Canada
Canada’s journey into the 5G era has been marked by rapid advancements and significant regional deployments. With cities like Montreal reaching download speeds up to 220.93 Mbps, approximately 205% faster than the average 4G speeds, the capabilities of 5G networks extend far beyond their predecessors. This increase is not just in speed but also in efficiency, setting a new standard for mobile and fixed wireless access (FWA).
Carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus are at the forefront, with Bell leading in download speeds. However, competition remains tight as each provider continues to expand 5G infrastructure, backed by global tech firms like Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung.
The Technological Leap from 4G to 5G
4G has been the backbone of mobile communications in Canada, delivering solid performance for streaming, browsing, and video calls. But as data needs grow, 4G’s limits on speed and capacity become more noticeable.
5G brings faster data, reduced latency, and higher network capacity, perfect for advanced applications like:
- Augmented and virtual reality
- Smart home IoT devices
- High-definition video streaming
- Cloud gaming
It also supports more simultaneous connections, making it ideal for smart cities and dense urban environments.
4G/5G vs Home Wi-Fi: What’s Actually Faster?
Even with all the hype around 5G, most Canadians still get their fastest, most stable connection from home Wi-Fi powered by wired Internet, not mobile data.
Mobile 5G speeds vary dramatically by tower, congestion, and distance. But a good in-home Wi-Fi setup, especially with Wi-Fi 6, delivers consistent speeds for streaming, gaming, and smart devices without data caps or signal drops.
Learn more: Wi-Fi 6 Explained →
Compare home Internet: NetJOI Internet Plans →
📶 5G vs 4G: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Speed | 30–70 Mbps | 150–300 Mbps |
| Latency | ~50 ms | <10 ms |
| Coverage | Widespread | Still expanding |
| Ideal For | Streaming, Browsing | Gaming, IoT, Smart Cities |
Many Canadians compare 5G vs Wi-Fi without realizing they serve different purposes – mobile 5G delivers speed on the go, while home Wi-Fi (especially Wi-Fi 6) provides the stable, always-on performance you need for streaming, gaming, and smart devices.
Understanding 5G Signal Categories
5G networks aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are three categories:
- Low-band: Great for rural and suburban areas; strong coverage, lower speeds
- Mid-band: Good mix of coverage and speed; best for cities and suburbs
- High-band (mmWave): Ultra-fast but limited to dense city centres due to shorter range
Together, these bands help balance speed and coverage across Canada.
Regional Variations in Canada’s 5G Rollout
Deployment varies significantly across provinces:
- British Columbia: 53 cities with 5G
- Ontario: 48 cities
- Quebec and Alberta also seeing strong growth
Urban centres enjoy better speeds and coverage, while rural areas are slowly catching up — a key focus of future investment and government initiatives.
Device Compatibility & Consumer Adoption
Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola now support 5G. But to take advantage, you need a compatible device and access to a 5G network in your area. If not, traditional Wi-Fi and cable Internet remain more affordable and consistent.
This is where alternatives like NetJOI shine, delivering stable, fast service without the high data costs or hardware upgrades needed for 5G.
Conclusion: Is 5G Worth the Hype?
5G is the future, but it’s still rolling out. If you’re in a supported area, you’ll enjoy massive speed boosts and lower latency. But for most Canadians, reliable, fixed-line Internet is still the go-to.
If 5G isn’t available in your area or the speeds are inconsistent, wired Internet and strong in-home Wi-Fi remain the most reliable 5G home Internet alternatives for Canadians, especially for families who stream, game, and work from home.
NetJOI doesn’t build mobile networks, but we do make it easier to stay connected with:
- No contract Internet plans
- Locked-in pricing
- VoIP digital phone service
- Exclusive Service-versary rewards
Explore plans in your area:
Looking for city-level speeds?
Start with the cities below, or head to Check Availability to see our coast-to-coast coverage across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much faster is 5G than 4G in Canada?
A: In ideal conditions, 5G can be 10x faster than 4G. In real-world use across Canada, speeds vary by location, provider, and device often ranging from 150 Mbps on 4G to over 1 Gbps on 5G.
Q: Is 5G available everywhere in Canada?
A: Not yet. Major cities have wide 5G coverage, but many rural and smaller communities are still on 4G. Availability is expanding, but check with your provider for current maps.
Q: Do I need 5G if I already have fast home Internet?
A: Not necessarily. 5G is mainly for mobile connectivity. If you’re happy with your home Internet speed, 5G won’t replace that yet.
Most of your speed and performance at home actually comes from your Wi-Fi network, not your mobile plan especially if your modem supports Wi-Fi 6. Learn more in our guide.
Q: Is 5G more expensive than 4G?
A: Often yes as new plans and compatible phones can be more costly.
Q: Can I get NetJOI Internet if I’m not in a 5G zone?
A: Yes! NetJOI is available in many areas across Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and BC.
🚀 Enough talk about 5G.
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