4G or 5G Modem – Which one’s right for you?
Already have a Wireless Nation 4G portable modem and wondering whether it's time to upgrade? Here is how our 4G and 5G portable modems compare, and how to know if upgrading to the 4G/5G-H153 modem is right for your travels.
Wireless Nation has standardised on our future-proof 4G/5G-H153 modem for all new portable broadband connections. If you already own a 4G modem (such as the Huawei Series, or TP-Link Deco X58), your device remains fully supported and will continue to deliver reliable internet nationwide.
This guide is designed to help existing 4G modem owners evaluate whether upgrading to 5G is right for their needs.
"Keep 4G" vs "Upgrade to 5G"
Who should upgrade to the 5G Modem?
The 5G-H153 Modem is a great choice if:
- You live or work in an urban area with strong 5G coverage (see coverage checker below), and you regularly stream in ultra-high quality, game online, or transfer large files.
- You want the latest tech and future-proofing as 5G expands.
- You don’t need external antennas.
If you're not in a 5G area, the modem will automatically switch to 4G — so you're always connected.
Who should stay with the 4G Modem?
- You mostly use the internet for browsing, emails, social media, or watching on demand.
- You are in and out of urban areas and need solid everyday internet.
- You are happy with your current modem's performance.
- You want external antenna options.
✅ Most of our customers find that 4G is more than enough for their needs and 4G will likely still be around for at least a decade.
Coverage
Not sure what coverage you get at home or on the road?
📍 Check your coverage here — It only takes a minute!
Other things to know
Coverage: All modems work on our nationwide network of 1,750+ towers, covering 99% of the population or, in other words, most places where people live, work and commonly travel.
Can I still use my 4G modem? Yes. We continue to fully support existing 4G modems. There is no requirement to upgrade unless you want faster speeds in 5G coverage areas.
Why are there no external antennas on 5G? The modem’s internal antennas are optimised for 5G performance, especially in strong coverage areas.
Will my 12–24V DC adapter work with the 5G modem? Yes. The 12–24V DC Surge Protection Adaptor is fully compatible with both the Deco X58 and the 4G/5G-H153 modem.
Can I swap my existing 4G modem for free or discounted price? Unfortunately, not, but keep watching out for special offers over summer! Also keep in mind that your 4G modem will continue to work, and there is no need to upgrade if you are happy with it!
Still unsure or want to upgrade your portable modem to 5G?
Get in touch or call 09 280 3672 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat/Sun & Public Holidays 9am–5:30pm) — we’ll help you... or watch a detailed comparison video from our customer, Tasman Travels, who shared their honest review.