If you are a new iOS user, you may need to learn more about the terms used. You may also have experienced issues with your network and have seen the word extended in your phone.
The term extended appears when the default network in your iPhone does not have coverage to a cell tower. It will then connect to a different network cell tower in the area.
Extended LTE
When you’re in a location that has no coverage from your carrier’s tower, you will see the option to switch to extended LTE. This is because Verizon has signed agreements with various network carriers to provide temporary coverage.
You’ll also see the word “Extended” written over the signal area in your phone’s screen. This is a contingency network and doesn’t involve any extra charges for you from your original carrier.
It may be tempting to think that this is a sign of a dead zone, but the truth is, it just means that another network carrier has an agreement with Verizon to supplement their coverage at certain areas. The extended network will not be as fast as the regular one, but it’s still better than nothing.
T-Mobile has a new 600MHz band that will improve coverage inside buildings and at greater distances from towers. It is currently deployed in big chunks, but T-Mobile is planning to roll out this technology to more of its network in the future.
There are some devices that support this band, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6. But it is a supplemental channel that cannot be used for downloads.
Sprint has confirmed that the iPhone 6s will support Carrier Aggregation – a capability that allows it to offer faster data speeds than the standard mobile data services in many markets. This will help to ensure you have a much more reliable connection, and it could be worth upgrading your iPhone to support this feature.
Roaming
If you’re traveling abroad, it’s likely you’ll have to pay additional charges for data roaming on your iPhone. This is because your device will disconnect from your carrier network and connect to another one instead.
When this happens, you can still make calls and send text messages, but you won’t be able to access the Internet. You will also need to turn off data roaming on your phone to avoid incurring any additional fees.
Roaming is not a problem when you’re traveling within the United States. However, if you’re going overseas, you might want to disable data roaming to avoid paying extra charges for using the internet on your phone.
To disable data roaming on your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap General. Then select Networks and slide the Data Roaming option into the Off position. This will disable your ability to connect to foreign networks, but you can use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet.
You can also track your data usage to prevent yourself from getting a huge bill for roaming charges after you return home. This can help you plan your trip before it’s time to leave, and you can ensure you don’t exceed the limits on your data plan while you’re away.
If you’re using your smartphone to download a lot of apps or stream video, it can use a lot of data very quickly. This can get pretty expensive, and it’s best to check with your cellular provider before you go on vacation to see how much they charge for roaming.
This is especially true when it comes to international travel. While it’s possible to find a free, public hotspot in many countries, the cost of data can be very expensive.
5G extended
5G is the next-generation of wireless network technology that’s transforming how we live, work, and play. It offers unmatched data speeds, greater network capacity, and ultra-low latency to enable high-resolution video, VR, AR, automated driving, and more.
5G networks are based on a variety of radio frequencies, and different types offer varying ranges and speeds. Low-band and mid-band frequencies are typically used to carry data, while high-band frequencies offer a higher bandwidth that can pass through more buildings and penetrate harder obstacles.
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each use different frequencies to cover a wide range of locations with their 5G networks. However, they share some common traits that help them stand out in the crowded 5G landscape.
Essentially, Verizon uses a spectrum called “mmWave,” and AT&T and T-Mobile use a spectrum called “C-band.” C-band is newer to the scene than the other two, but both companies are leveraging it to provide faster, more capable 5G service in their markets.
Both carriers also use a technology called Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) that allows their low-band and some mid-band 5G frequencies to coexist amongst 4G frequencies, which can boost capacity and speed on each network. This also helps to avoid conflicts with other devices.
T-Mobile primarily focuses on mid-band frequencies, which are the goldilocks of all spectrum bands: They balance speed and coverage. They’re more likely to penetrate through buildings than mmWave and reach more locations, but they aren’t as powerful as other frequencies.
Removing extended
If you have an iPhone that is saying extended LTE, this means that it’s using a network that’s not available to your home carrier. This can be a good thing, since it allows you to access the internet in areas that your carrier can’t cover, but you might want to remove it if you can.
There are several ways to do this. One is to use a Wi-Fi booster to increase your signal strength. Another is to turn off the cellular data on your phone and connect to the nearest Wi-Fi network instead.
It’s also worth noting that this will actually use less data than using your normal network, so it can save you money in the long run. This is especially true if you’re going to be in an area that doesn’t have a strong cell signal.
Ultimately, you’ll probably want to call your carrier to see if they offer a way to add more data to your plan. They might have a special app or offer a bundled deal that will allow you to get more if you’re willing to pay a bit extra.