ATT & ATL

[sam_gordon]

This could go in the Transportation section, but guessing more eyes here...

Any ATT cellular customers go through ATL airport? I swear whenever I do, my phone only shows 4G. Elsewhere I get 5G or 5G+. I find it hard to believe ATL isn't covered by 5G with ATT.

Is it just me?

 

[kdonnel]

I have T-Mobile and get great coverage at the airport but generally poor coverage once in the plane.

My theory is that the Atlanta airport has one or more DAS (Distribuited Antenna System) within the building(s) that makeup the terminals and concourses. That gets me the great coverage while in the airport.

When I am in the plane I am relying on the cellular towers outside which may be a considerable distance from me somewhere off the airport grounds while also being inside a tin can which blocks the signal.

So my ultimate guess is that the DAS system is only using 4G technology for at&t.

After typing this I gave it a Google and got the following:

Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that provides cellular coverage throughout its facilities.

Key details regarding the system include:

• Coverage: The DAS covers the terminal, atrium, all six concourses, and the underground transportation mall.
• Neutral Host: The system is a "neutral host" network, meaning it supports multiple major cellular carriers rather than just one.
• Upgrade Project (2025-2026): As of mid-2025, the airport began a major upgrade of this system to replace older equipment with new infrastructure to support 5G capabilities, with full integration expected to improve data performance in the terminals.
• Public Safety: In addition to public cell service, the system includes a separate, dedicated layer to support airport operations and public safety communications.

While a DAS exists, travelers have historically experienced variable service quality in certain areas—such as high-ceiling concourses—which is being addressed by the 2025/2026 upgrade project.

 

[sam_gordon]

I have T-Mobile and get great coverage at the airport but generally poor coverage once in the plane.

My theory is that the Atlanta airport has one or more DAS (Distribuited Antenna System) within the building(s) that makeup the terminals and concourses. That gets me the great coverage while in the airport.

When I am in the plane I am relying on the cellular towers outside which may be a considerable distance from me somewhere off the airport grounds while also being inside a tin can which blocks the signal.

So my ultimate guess is that the DAS system is only using 4G technology for at&t.

After typing this I gave it a Google and got the following:

Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that provides cellular coverage throughout its facilities.

Key details regarding the system include:

• Coverage: The DAS covers the terminal, atrium, all six concourses, and the underground transportation mall.
• Neutral Host: The system is a "neutral host" network, meaning it supports multiple major cellular carriers rather than just one.
• Upgrade Project (2025-2026): As of mid-2025, the airport began a major upgrade of this system to replace older equipment with new infrastructure to support 5G capabilities, with full integration expected to improve data performance in the terminals.
• Public Safety: In addition to public cell service, the system includes a separate, dedicated layer to support airport operations and public safety communications.

While a DAS exists, travelers have historically experienced variable service quality in certain areas—such as high-ceiling concourses—which is being addressed by the 2025/2026 upgrade project.

I'm not surprised they're using their own system, but if it's "neutral", shouldn't it be 5G for all (or none)?

I get full bars of coverage, it's just that it's 4G.

Talk about "first world problems". lol

 

[kdonnel]

I'm not surprised they're using their own system, but if it's "neutral", shouldn't it be 5G for all (or none)?

I get full bars of coverage, it's just that it's 4G.

Talk about "first world problems". lol

I have never really paid attention to what symbol is displayed when at the airport. I do know that cell phone providers have been caught misleading customers by showing a symbol that indicates 5g when it is not.

What really matters is can you do what you need to do with the service you are receiving while at the airport?




Yes, AT&T has been widely criticized and accused of misleading customers—often termed as "lying" by competitors and tech analysts—regarding the cellular service symbols displayed on their phones.
Specifically, AT&T updated many 4G LTE phones to display a "5G E" (5G Evolution) symbol instead of "LTE," even though the phones were not connected to a true 5G network.

Key Facts About the "5G E" Controversy:

• Not Real 5G: "5G E" stands for "5G Evolution," which is actually enhanced 4G LTE Advanced technology, not 5th-generation (5G) cellular service.
• Misleading Marketing: The "5G E" indicator was introduced to make customers believe they were receiving advanced 5G service before it was actually available.
• Industry Backlash: Competitors, including Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile) and Verizon, called the icon "fake 5G" and "deceptive". Sprint filed a lawsuit against AT&T over the branding.
• Consumer Confusion: Studies indicated that a significant percentage of consumers wrongly believed the "5G E" icon meant they had a 5G-capable phone and network.
• What it Actually Is: 5G E represents "Gigabit LTE," a fast version of 4G that other carriers offer, but they label it as "LTE+" or "5G-A" rather than 5G.

While AT&T now offers true 5G, the "5G E" icon was used as a stopgap to suggest superior network performance.

How to know if you have real 5G on AT&T:

• 5G: Standard 5G coverage.
• 5G+: AT&T's faster, high-band (millimeter wave) 5G service.
• 5G E: Not true 5G (4G LTE).

 

[hardcorestitch]

I have never really paid attention to what symbol is displayed when at the airport. I do know that cell phone providers have been caught misleading customers by showing a symbol that indicates 5g when it is not.

What really matters is can you do what you need to do with the service you are receiving while at the airport?




Yes, AT&T has been widely criticized and accused of misleading customers—often termed as "lying" by competitors and tech analysts—regarding the cellular service symbols displayed on their phones.
Specifically, AT&T updated many 4G LTE phones to display a "5G E" (5G Evolution) symbol instead of "LTE," even though the phones were not connected to a true 5G network.

Key Facts About the "5G E" Controversy:

• Not Real 5G: "5G E" stands for "5G Evolution," which is actually enhanced 4G LTE Advanced technology, not 5th-generation (5G) cellular service.
• Misleading Marketing: The "5G E" indicator was introduced to make customers believe they were receiving advanced 5G service before it was actually available.
• Industry Backlash: Competitors, including Sprint (now merged with T-Mobile) and Verizon, called the icon "fake 5G" and "deceptive". Sprint filed a lawsuit against AT&T over the branding.
• Consumer Confusion: Studies indicated that a significant percentage of consumers wrongly believed the "5G E" icon meant they had a 5G-capable phone and network.
• What it Actually Is: 5G E represents "Gigabit LTE," a fast version of 4G that other carriers offer, but they label it as "LTE+" or "5G-A" rather than 5G.

While AT&T now offers true 5G, the "5G E" icon was used as a stopgap to suggest superior network performance.

How to know if you have real 5G on AT&T:

• 5G: Standard 5G coverage.
• 5G+: AT&T's faster, high-band (millimeter wave) 5G service.
• 5G E: Not true 5G (4G LTE).

AT&T misleading customers eh? They minus well rename that 5GE masked as 4G as “FakeG”.