Lack of access to the 5G network

[PatrickM3]

I recently signed a contract with Verizon and have the iPhone 16 Pro, but it seems that I'm rarely on the 5g network. As a result, the phone constantly buffers, I'm unable to access any of my apps, and the phone is now only useful for talking and texting. I like the phone, but your network is making me regret my decision. I checked the 5g coverage map, and I'm surround by red for 100s of miles. Can this be fixed?

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello PatrickM3, we want to make sure your phone is working as it should be.  So we can better assist, we will be reaching out via Private Message.  -Dee

[PatrickM3]

Ok...............................................................................................

[vzw_customer_support]

It looks like we were able to work with you via private message. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to partner with us via private message again. 

-Meg

[vzw_customer_support]

We stopped to check in on you. Please send us a Private Message, so we can get started.

~Maria

[PatrickM3]

When will the private message be sent out?

[SynthpopAddict]

Private messages (PMs) are under the envelope icon at the top right.  If you haven't heard from the Verizon reps there, you can PM them by going to one of their posts, clicking on their forum avatar, and then using the "send message" button.

Out of curiosity, what service plan do you have, and are you postpaid, or prepaid?  5G access and overall data speed has a lot to do with how much you're paying for service.

[Chkyerself]

I feel like I am hardly ever on 5G, seems like most of Verizon is LTE.

[SynthpopAddict]

It depends on where you are and what service plan you have, plus whether you are postpaid or not.  It is true that the really good 5G speeds are a city thing.  But the other guys who have bigger 5G networks than Verizon are accomplishing it by having a lot of low-band 5G, which runs about the same speed as LTE.  The main difference is 5G cells are able to carry more traffic than the older LTE cells.