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Last updated: 10 February 2022
5G is the latest generation of wireless technology. 5G simply means fifth generation. Similar to its recent predecessors 3G and 4G, 5G handles data as well as voice calls and text and multimedia messages, but it’s much faster, can accommodate more devices and experiences less latency (lag).
Mobile operators began deploying 5G in 2019. Although, as of 2020, rollout is very limited, their 5G networks will eventually be available everywhere in the UK.
5G will allow us to access the internet through mobile devices without lags and buffering and complete more data-intensive tasks, like video streaming and calling, on the go. It will also enable the use of sci-fi technologies like autonomous vehicles, mobile virtual reality, fleets of drones and the internet of things. It may even supersede fixed-line broadband connections for some people.
5G offers significantly faster download speeds and more reliable connections than 4G.
Whilst 4G typically can offers bandwidths of 20-40 Mbps, which is still better an ADSL connection, 5G can offer speeds of between 100-200 Mbps, which is faster than most people's home fibre connections!
In addition to this, 5G offers much lower latencies than 4G - latency is the time it takes for your device to request information from the internet and then for it to receive it, so the lower the better.
A study by Rootmetrics in 2020 in London showed that 5G on the Three network was achieving latencies of 17ms, with Vodafone achieving 34ms, and EE achieving 45ms.
Now compare this to a 4G connection, that usually has latencies of greater than 50ms.
This isn't to say that 4G connections do have their place; at usave we believe that it is better to opt for a 4G connection than an ADSL connection due to the greater bandwidth.
But when you compare 5G to 4G, it is clear that 5G offers much more reliable and faster connections (especially when it comes to if you are into online video gaming, where latency is very important).
When selecting a new handset and mobile plan, you now have to consider whether you want 5G or not. Only the latest smartphones support it, and some mobile providers require you to pay a premium to access their 5G networks.
If you frequently stream video content or online games from your mobile phone, you may want to become an early adopter of 5G.
But there is an important caveat: 5G isn’t available in very many places. Before you buy a handset and mobile plan, you should check 5G coverage near your home, along your commute and near your workplace. You don’t want to select a smartphone and mobile plan with the intention of experiencing 5G, only to find you can never pick up the network.
5G coverage in the UK is still very limited, concentrated mostly on town centres. However, the four mobile operators have made very different progress in rolling out their networks.
All four network operators in the UK have now launched their 5G networks. The four are:
Some mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that piggyback on these networks also offer 5G. These include:
BT Mobile previously offered 5G through EE’s network, but as of September 2020, it has discontinued the service for new customers.
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