Google won't update Pixel 5 for C-band despite it having the hardware

[Eric The Duke]

The Pixel 5 has the hardware for C-band access but apparently they won't update it so it can access it.

 

[swebb]

Yeah, this sucks. I do wonder how much of this is google and how much is Verizon. Since Google is updating the P6 to use C band, it implies that Google is the problem. All I know, is that a P4 5G that I bought from VZ is not working on the C band.

Historically, VZ has not been the easiest option, unless the device was bought from them. They had to do a SIM swap and re-provisioning to enable C band on a relatives iPhone 13. Guessing the same will be needed if the Pixels get C band enabled by Google.

 

[Gil Emery Jr]

Yeah, this sucks. I do wonder how much of this is google and how much is Verizon. Since Google is updating the P6 to use C band, it implies that Google is the problem. All I know, is that a P4 5G that I bought from VZ is not working on the C band.

Historically, VZ has not been the easiest option, unless the device was bought from them. They had to do a SIM swap and re-provisioning to enable C band on a relatives iPhone 13. Guessing the same will be needed if the Pixels get C band enabled by Google.

Funny, I was just logging in here to ask the same question. I did think that the Pixel 5 already had C band access. Is it somehow related to the section of the band that they are using now in relation to the end of the year with that other area of the band? Sucks to think that my phone is not that old, has the ability to use C band, and yet it will not be able to do so. Unless there is some technological reason that I am not aware of.

 

[swebb]

Really surprised that there's not more uproar on this. C band is where VZ is building out useful 5G and now it's unavailable to P5 users. It's not affecting me as I'm on a TMobile MVNO and am (at least for now) done with VZ for this and other reasons.

 

[Gil Emery Jr]

Really surprised that there's not more uproar on this. C band is where VZ is building out useful 5G and now it's unavailable to P5 users. It's not affecting me as I'm on a TMobile MVNO and am (at least for now) done with VZ for this and other reasons.

Have just seen one article about this this far, I am pissed given the phone appears to have the ability, but who do you complain to? Who would listen?

 

[ras47]

I think Google wants to push Pixel 5 users to "upgrade" to a newer model Pixel. They are putting all their resources into developing for the Tensor chip, something the Pixel 5 (thankfully) does not have. But if Google is going all-in with Tensor then non-Tensor phones get shunted to the sidelines.

Google sidelined the Pixel 5 awfully fast, foisting the 5A on users, then the Pixel 6/6Pro. So either you get on board with the newer Tensor-equipped Pixels or you get off the Pixel train altogether. My choice has been made. I'll keep my Pixel 5 as a backup phone but I'm off the Pixel train. I re-activated my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which by the way will indeed get the new Verizon 5G C-Band, and is free from all the issues plaguing the Pixel 6 line.

 

[J Dubbs]

I think Google wants to push Pixel 5 users to "upgrade" to a newer model Pixel. They are putting all their resources into developing for the Tensor chip, something the Pixel 5 (thankfully) does not have. But if Google is going all-in with Tensor then non-Tensor phones get shunted to the sidelines.

Google sidelined the Pixel 5 awfully fast, foisting the 5A on users, then the Pixel 6/6Pro. So either you get on board with the newer Tensor-equipped Pixels or you get off the Pixel train altogether. My choice has been made. I'll keep my Pixel 5 as a backup phone but I'm off the Pixel train. I re-activated my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which by the way will indeed get the new Verizon 5G C-Band, and is free from all the issues plaguing the Pixel 6 line.

This is the answer... Google wants to create every reason they can to convince you to buy a new phone.. not keep your old one longer. Its the age old tactic called planned obsolescence :-\

 

[ras47]

If the Pixel 6/6Pro didn't have all these issues that effect usability I might take the plunge. But I'm just not sold on the Tensor chip yet. And with what I read about issues with the P6 there is no chance I'll jump on the 6A or 7 when its released. I'll be taking a long hard look before I jump back in the Pixel pool. I'm not a rube - I know there will always be some folks trumpeting long and loud about issues, big and small. But connectivity issues and slow fingerprint sensors are the kinds of things that drive me up a tree. And its not one or two disgruntled users reporting these issues. So for now, and until I can have confidence in Google's Tensor-based lineup, I'm back on my iPhone. The darn thing just plain works.