Mobile and 5G

5G is beginning to be rolled out across the country and is already available in many areas. It will bring a range benefits, not least broadband-like speeds along with a range of new applications.

The next generation of mobile devices are normally 5G enabled as default, but for residents and businesses to benefit from these technological advance’s providers may need to install some new equipment and masts across the county.

Benefits of improved connectivity

• Faster download Speeds – The most obvious benefit of 5G is faster speeds (download and upload) on the go. Potentially up to 100 times faster than 4G. This means quicker and higher amounts of data transfer and smoother streaming.
• Better back-up connectivity – Ideal for those working without a stable or fast enough broadband connection or streaming multiple devices at once (multiscreen household)
• Enables support for exciting new technologies – 5G will be a key enabler for emerging Technologies such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and development of smart cities and towns. Firefighters could one day use AR glasses to deal with smoke filled/zero visibility incidents. Drones could collect real time data avoiding collection, download and processing times as well as human error.
• More responsive internet connection (Lower Latency) - The lower the latency, the more responsive the internet on your device is. 4G is typically 30-40 milliseconds (ms) while 5G is under 10ms sometimes as low as 1ms. This is crucial for applications like real time online gaming and self-driving/autonomous vehicles.
• Better connectivity in crowded areas - 5G networks can support a much large number of devices and connections simultaneously without significant drop in performance. This will allow for you to stand in a crowded place like a festival, and still be able to send and receive information almost instantly.
• IoT or the Internet of Things - 5G will play an important role in enabling IoT across a range of developing areas including automated vehicles, air quality monitoring and traffic management and a whole plethora of new and developing tech.
• Improved reliability – With a 5G network being readily available and very unlikely to experience service drop out or lag, it could be relied on for robotic surgeries and industrial automation.
• Economic growth – 5G is expected to drive economic growth by enabling new industries, creating jobs and fostering innovation. This will allow more industries to move out of London and other big cities and into the home counties.

There will be many other benefits, and these will continue to evolve as the technology matures and expands. Use the 5G Coverage Checker to search for 5G in your area.

Enter a postcode to check:

• How good indoor / outdoor mobile services from all major operators
• Outdoor availability of 5G services
• Broadband availability and speeds for any UK address

Broadband and mobile coverage checker (Ofcom)