The fifth-generation mobile network (5G) began its roll out in the UK in 2019. But there is some confusion over availability. Mobile network operators are all pursuing their own timescales, so some are already into a roll-out programme while others have barely started.
If you want 5G now then you’re probably going to be disappointed unless you live in one of a limited number of areas. This isn’t a huge issue if you consider that the majority of available phones don’t yet support 5G (although the next generation of phones will be).
So, what’s all the hype about and when and where are you likely to be able to upgrade to the latest mobile standard?
What is 5G?
By combining the latest leading-edge network technology with up to date devices, 5G offers the prospect of more reliable connections and faster speeds on mobile devices and more bandwidth available than ever before. Average download speeds of 1GB per second are expected to be the norm under 5G. This opens up the possibility of having a connection that’s fast enough to provide home broadband without the need for a landline.
The availability of fast, reliable 5G connections is expected to boost the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices away from the home. Examples include connected cars and personal health trackers.
While speed has tended to be the headline selling point of 5G, it also delivers lower latency. This means that there’s less delay between a command being sent and a response being received. On a 4G network, there’s typically a latency of around 40 milliseconds, typical home broadband is around 10 to 20ms. Typical 5G latency is currently around 21 to 26ms but theoretically, the technology can offer latencies of 4ms or less.
Because 5G has more bandwidth capacity, it’s better able to deal with lots of requests at once. It, therefore, offers the chance of fibre-like experience to people in areas that are not currently served by fixed-line infrastructure.
Where can I get 5G?
Right now if you want to access 5G in the UK now, you will probably need to be living in a city. Where 5G is available will depend on the network you’re on. Let’s break each of the major ones down to see what’s happening where and when…
EE
BT-owned EE was the first to launch a 5G service in the UK, starting in May 2019 in six major cities. By the end of the year, it was available in 50 towns and cities including, London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Belfast, Manchester, Cardiff, Coventry, Leicester, Liverpool and Glasgow. By March 2020 EE is aiming to have 5G available in 70 locations.
However, EE’s 5G service doesn’t reach all areas of every city and its speeds aren’t consistent. Where it is available, however, tests by TechRadar suggest it’s delivering speeds of up to 200 Mbps around 10 times faster than 4G.
BT
BT also began a 5G service in October 2019. Because BT owns EE and uses its network, it should be available in the same places. PlusNet Mobile – also BT owned and also using EE’s network – has not yet announced plans for a 5G service.
Vodafone
Vodafone launched its 5G offering in July 2019. So far it’s in 31 places with particularly good coverage in the North West region including, Bebington, Birkenhead, Bootle, Droylsden, Eccles, Horwich, Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester.
Vodafone 5G is scheduled to be in Blackpool, Bournemouth, Guildford, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton and Warrington by the start of 2020. Vodafone’s SIM-only service VOXI began 5G coverage in October with the same locations.
Three
Three launched 5G in London in August 2019 but only for home broadband customers. Mobile 5G from Three is set to commence in early 2020.
O2
O2 started it’s 5G service in October 2019 with rollouts in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Leeds, and Slough, with 14 more locations added by the year end. By the summer of 2020, O2 aims to be in 50 towns and cities across the country.
Sky Mobile
Sky Mobile has announced its intention to launch a 5G service but there’s no word yet as to when it will start to roll out.
Currently, 57 locations across the UK have 5G coverage on at least one network. If you are unsure whether you are in an area that’s currently served by 5G there’s a handy postcode checker at 5g.co.uk that will show you coverage in your area.
During 2020, at least a further 18 towns and cities will be added. These include Aberdeen, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Middlesbrough, Southampton and Windsor.
Handset Compatibility
Of course, to take advantage of 5G you will need a suitable phone. Currently, 5G capability is restricted to top end models which are expensive to buy, so most people will be looking to get a contract deal in order to spread the cost.
Models to look for include the Samsung Galaxy A90, the Huawei Mate 20 and the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. At the time of writing, the latest iPhones are not 5G capable, with Apple’s 5G offerings not expected until late 2020 with no firm dates as yet.
Of course, the hardware is backwards compatible, so your 5G handset will drop back to 4G or 3G coverage where no 5G network signal is available. You may get lower speeds but you won’t lose coverage altogether.
Wait or Buy Now?
If you aren’t currently living or working in an area that offers 5G coverage, then there may be very little point in upgrading straight away. If you are, however, 5G offers a number of advantages. It will make it easier for people to work or even operate machinery from a remote location. Widespread 5G could ultimately cut down on the need for travel, saving money and resources.
Another benefit of 5G for business is that it offers easier ‘network slicing’. This means that as the technology matures, businesses could set up their own private mobile networks, tailored to their requirements. This will also make it easier for disruptor companies to enter the mobile market, increasing competition and driving down the costs for consumers.
