What Is 5G and Do You Need It?
What Is 5G and Do You Need It?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, succeeding 4G LTE. It promises significantly faster download and upload speeds, much lower latency and the ability to connect far more devices simultaneously. But do you actually need a 5G phone and plan right now? This guide explains what 5G offers, where it is available in the UK and whether it is worth upgrading.
What Does 5G Offer?
- Faster speeds – real-world 5G speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to over 1 Gbps, compared with 20–50 Mbps on 4G.
- Lower latency – the delay between sending and receiving data drops to as little as 1–10 ms on 5G, versus 30–50 ms on 4G. This makes video calls smoother and cloud applications more responsive.
- Greater capacity – 5G networks can handle many more connected devices per square kilometre, which is vital as IoT adoption grows.
5G vs 4G Comparison
| Feature | 5G | 4G |
|---|---|---|
| Typical download speed | 100–1,000 Mbps | 20–50 Mbps |
| Latency | 1–10 ms | 30–50 ms |
| Coverage | Major cities and towns (expanding) | Widespread across the UK |
| Device availability | Flagship and mid-range phones from £200 | Almost all smartphones |
Current UK 5G Coverage
5G is now available in most major UK cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as many larger towns. However, rural coverage remains limited and most countryside areas still rely on 4G. All four networks – EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three – are actively expanding their 5G footprint, with EE currently offering the widest 5G coverage.
To check whether 5G is available at your location, visit your network’s coverage checker and enter your postcode.
Do You Actually Need 5G?
For most everyday tasks – browsing, social media, streaming music and standard-definition video – 4G is perfectly adequate. You will benefit most from 5G if you:
- Regularly download large files or software updates on the go.
- Use cloud-based business applications that benefit from low latency.
- Make frequent HD or 4K video calls.
- Connect multiple IoT devices such as sensors, cameras or fleet trackers.
5G Phones and Costs
Most flagship smartphones released since 2020 support 5G, including the iPhone 12 and later, Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, and Google Pixel 5 and later. Mid-range 5G handsets are now available from around £200, making the technology accessible without a premium price tag. Every 5G phone is fully backward-compatible with 4G, so you will still get coverage everywhere 4G reaches.
The Business Case for 5G
For businesses, 5G offers tangible advantages:
- Faster mobile working – field staff can upload reports, photos and videos in seconds.
- Better video conferencing – low latency and high bandwidth improve call quality when working remotely.
- Future-proofing – investing in 5G-capable devices now means your fleet is ready as coverage expands.
Need help choosing the right network for your business location? Connection Technologies can assess coverage and recommend the best solution. Get a free quote or call 0333 015 2615.
