While any SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card might work with a 5G SIM router with one or more SIM card slots, that doesn’t mean you should insert just any SIM card. Here’s why:
Network access: SIM cards contain essential information and cryptographic keys for authenticating your device on the mobile network. If your SIM card is not provisioned for 5G by your service provider, you might not be able to access the 5G network – even if your 5G SIM router supports that card.
5G Network capabilities: 5G networks enable faster and more reliable connections and a lot of other benefits and features. 5G SIM cards are designed to support these advancements. SIM cards that are 4G and older can’t leverage 5G to the fullest, because they aren’t designed to support certain features that are built into 5G.
Carrier requirements: Some mobile service providers mandate the use of specific 5G SIM cards to ensure that subscribers can reliably access their network, and also to manage network resources more efficiently.
Can you use a 4G SIM card with a 5G SIM router?
The short answer is yes, a 4G/LTE SIM card can work in a 5G SIM card router. That’s because 5G routers are typically backwards compatible, meaning they can support multiple generations of cellular technology, including 4G and even 3G. If you insert a 4G SIM card into a 5G router, then your router would connect to the 4G network in your location and function as a 4G device. But to use your 5G router to the fullest, and enjoy all the benefits and capabilities of 5G, you’d want to use a 5G SIM card with a 5G data plan instead.
Can you use a 5G SIM card with a 4G SIM router?
The answer is generally yes, you could insert a 5G SIM card in a 4G SIM card router, but the 4G router wouldn’t be able to access 5G networks even with a 5G card, because the router wasn’t designed for 5G. You need a 5G compatible router to access 5G networks and enjoy the high speeds, low latency, and other benefits 5G is known for.
Can 5G multi-SIM routers support 4G and 5G SIM cards?
Yes, 5G multi-SIM routers can support as many as eight SIM cards or even more, and they’ll work with 4G and 5G SIM cards. But they’ll only leverage 5G network capabilities when they’re using 5G SIM cards and data plans.
What type of SIM card do I need for my router?
5G routers typically support SIM cards from any telecom provider, but here are a few things you’ll want to do before buying a SIM card:
Check to see if 5G service is available in your area. Even if you have a 5G SIM card router and a 5G SIM card, you can only access 5G speeds if you are in an area with 5G coverage. If you’re in an area with only 4G coverage, your router will default to that network.
Check your router’s device specifications before you buy a SIM card to ensure your router supports the bandwidth frequencies supported by the carrier you want to use.
The strength of 5G signals vary across locations. So you’ll want to choose a SIM card carrier that offers a strong 5G signal in your area to take advantage of fast and reliable Internet connections.
Check to ensure your device is certified to work with the carrier’s network you want to use. Some carriers require any equipment used on their networks to be certified.
Take full advantage of 5G with a 5G SIM card and Peplink 5G router
Peplink 5G routers harness the power of new 5G networks to offer faster download and upload speeds, real-time responses, extended coverage, and more, and are certified to operate on the major networks – including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile in the US. By combining a 5G SIM card with a 5G Peplink SIM router, you’re prepared to tap into the power of 5G, wherever you go.