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3G, 4G, or 5G? How to Check Network Support by IMEI

5 min readUpdated 6/1/2025

Checking Network Generation Support by IMEI

A phone's IMEI TAC reveals which network generations (3G, 4G LTE, 5G) and frequency bands the device supports. This is critical when buying a phone for use in a different country or on a specific carrier.

What the TAC Reveals About Network Support

The GSMA TAC database includes network technology information for registered devices:

  • 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) — Frequency bands supported
  • 4G LTE — Band list (critical for international compatibility)
  • 5G (Sub-6 vs mmWave) — Whether the device supports 5G and which variant

Why Regional Variants Differ

The same phone model sold in different regions may support different frequency bands. A Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sold in the US (SM-S928U) supports different bands than the global variant (SM-S928B). Buying the wrong regional variant means you may get reduced 4G speeds or no 5G on your local carrier.

5G Variants: Sub-6 vs mmWave

  • Sub-6 GHz 5G — Broad coverage, lower speeds. Used globally.
  • mmWave 5G — Ultra-fast but short range. Common in US (Verizon, AT&T mmWave networks). US market phones may include mmWave; international variants usually do not.

Checking Network Compatibility by IMEI

Run a free IMEI check on IMEI Check Pro to get the device model and variant. Cross-reference the variant's band list with your carrier's supported bands (available on your carrier's website or via a quick web search for "{carrier name} LTE bands").

Also see: eSIM and IMEI explained | IMEI check before travelling abroad