The Pixel 5 and LG Wing do not have too much in common – apart from perhaps the fact that neither of them will sell well – but both phones will get a 5G-related upgrade. FCC documents indicate that both Google and LG have given permission for the phones to access the new 5G Band n77 released as part of the C-band auction. With nothing more than a software update, both devices can connect to the new 5G frequency once US service providers start using it.
We spotted the change in FCC files last week, and today PC Mag’s Sasha Segan confirmed that the FCC has granted its blessing so that both the Pixel 5 and LG Wing can activate the functionality remotely at their convenience. Band n77 support apparently does not require any hardware changes other than what the two phones come with, just a software update.
Slightly oddly enough, the Pixel 4a 5G doesn’t seem to be included in the fun, though it does share many of the specs with the more expensive Pixel 5. It could be a difference in the physical design bills for it, or the related documents simply could not be published yet – the documents we have for the Pixel 5 and Wing were withheld a few weeks before publication.
Although we do not yet know exactly who ‘won’ with the recent C-band auction, it does indicate that Verizon is somewhere near the top. We will definitely find out in March. There is also still no word on when Band n77 support will roll out to the devices. (We’ve added Google for more information, but it’s probably too early to tell.) Whatever carriers use it, Pixel 5 owners can still rest assured that their phone will have access to the new 5G frequency , no hardware upgrade. require.
