The Pixel 5 and LG Wing don’t have much in common – except perhaps neither of them will sell very well – but both phones are getting a 5G-related upgrade. FCC documents indicate that both Google and LG have been granted 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 will be able to connect to the new 5G frequency once US carriers start using it.
We saw the change in FCC signups last week, and today PC Mag’s Sasha Segan confirms that the FCC has granted its blessing, allowing both the Pixel 5 and LG Wing to enable the functionality remotely when it suits them. Apparently, Band n77 support doesn’t require any hardware changes on top of what the two phones come with, just a software update.
Somewhat curiously, the Pixel 4a 5G doesn’t seem to be part of the fun, even though it shares many of its specs with the more expensive Pixel 5. It could be a difference in the physical design, or the related documents might just not be there yet published – the ones we have for the Pixel 5 and Wing were retained a few weeks before publication.
While we still don’t know exactly who “won” the recent C-band auction, there are indications that Verizon is at the top somewhere. We will know for sure in March. There is also no message yet when Band n77 support will be rolled out to the devices. (We reached out to Google for more information, but it’s probably too early to say.) Whichever carriers will be using it, Pixel 5 owners can still rest easy knowing their phone will be able to access the new 5G frequency, no hardware upgrade required.
