You may have heard about the imminent rollout of 5G from your mobile provider.
Last updated: 07 December 2020
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 has a maximum theoretical speed of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps), compared to just 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) from 4G. That means 5G is, in theory, a hundred times faster than the previous generation of mobile networks.
However, real-world speeds rarely match theoretical maximum speeds, especially when the technology is in its infancy. The nascent 5G networks in the UK are currently delivering average speeds of between 100 and 200Mbps, with peaks that are perhaps double that. This is still significantly faster than the 20Mbps usually seen on 4G and especially when compared to cable and full-fibre broadband connections. It is more than likely that one day we will have faster networks than home-broadband connections.
You can expect to see 5G speeds rise as the technology evolves and becomes more widespread in the UK.
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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