Whether you already use it regularly on your devices or just came across the term while considering an upgrade, 5G is now part of our daily lives.
But what actually is 5G and why should you use it? Read on to learn more about this technology, its benefits, and how you can access it yourself.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation technology standard for cellular/mobile networks that allows compatible devices to connect to the internet whenever there is a signal, without the need for Wi-Fi.
5G has more bandwidth than its predecessor, 4G, and can deliver up to 100 times faster speeds. Rollout began in 2019, making most modern smartphones and mobile-compatible devices “5G-enabled.”
What are the benefits of 5G?
One of the biggest benefits of 5G is that it can deliver much faster speeds than 4G. But speed isn’t the only benefit of 5G. 5G wireless technology also delivers ultra-low latency, which can significantly improve the user experience.
Latency essentially refers to the time between the instruction to move data and that data transfer to occur. For example, when streaming a live event over a 4G connection, the actual playback will lag slightly behind the real-time playback, resulting in more latency.
5G is therefore designed to reduce high end-to-end latency, allowing you to receive and respond to live data much faster than before.
Another benefit of 5G is that it provides greater network capacity and availability, allowing more devices to connect and access the internet, even in crowded areas such as festivals and shows.
How can I access 5G?
To access a 5G network, you need a compatible device. Most modern smartphones should support 5G, but be sure to check before upgrading.
To access a 5G network, you will also need a SIM card (or eSIM) with a 5G data plan. This means you won’t be able to use 5G on your laptop/tablet unless it supports a SIM card or uses your smartphone as a hotspot.
5G has been rolling out since 2019, so most mobile networks in the UK will need to connect to the network as long as your device is compatible.
Should I buy a 5G smartphone?
Most mobile phones now support 5G, even the best and cheapest ones. This means that in most cases you don’t really have to consider whether it’s worth buying a 5G phone, as this feature is built in by default.
But if you find a 4G phone for cheap, are you missing out? It really depends on your network usage. 5G will be faster and more reliable than 4G, but you might not actually notice a difference in performance unless you’re watching live video or playing games online. 4G provides optimal speeds for web browsing and video streaming.
Is 5G safe to use?
There is no reason to believe that 5G is harmful. The UK Government says:
When 5G is added to existing networks or new areas, overall exposure to radio waves may increase slightly. However, overall exposure is expected to remain low compared to guidelines, so there should be no public health impact.
What is sub-6GHz 5G?
Sub-6GHz refers to the frequency of radio waves being transmitted. 5G can transmit across a spectrum of different frequencies, of which sub-6GHz is the most common. In contrast, his top 4G frequency band in the UK is 2.6 GHz.
The higher the frequency of these radio waves, the more data they can transmit. However, the problem is that the higher the frequency, the shorter the range.
Sub-6GHz refers to medium and low frequency bands as far as 5G is concerned, and connecting to these frequencies can achieve speeds of hundreds of Mbps (megabits per second). All 5G mobile phones support frequencies below 6GHz.
What is mmWave 5G?
mmWave (short for millimeter wave) is high-frequency 5G that operates above 24 GHz and up to about 100 GHz, allowing much faster speeds than sub-6 GHz 5G.
Millimeter wave connections can offer impressive maximum speeds of up to 5Gbps (gigabits per second), but their range is very limited. They can only move about 100 meters and have difficulty entering buildings.
Not all 5G phones support millimeter wave frequencies, but this high frequency network is much less widespread than sub-6GHz 5G. There is currently no mmWave 5G network in the UK, but in March 2023 regulator Ofcom began a consultation on launching the technology.
