SearchSwitchSave.com
Empowering UK consumers to effortlessly find and compare the best broadband, mobile, and TV deals.
In an age where mobile connectivity underpins nearly every aspect of our lives, sticking to yesterday’s network technology can hold you back. Across the UK, countless users remain on older plans, potentially missing out on the faster speeds and smoother performance that 5G provides. Have you considered if it’s time to make the leap to a newer, more powerful mobile experience?
What exactly is 5G? 5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology. It builds upon 4G (LTE) infrastructure but goes further by increasing data speeds, reducing latency (the delay before data transfer begins), and improving reliability. While 4G was considered fast when it first rolled out, 5G can achieve speeds many times greater. In theory, you can download large files, stream ultra-high-definition content, and enjoy near real-time online gaming. Why does latency matter? Latency refers to how quickly your device receives feedback from the network once you’ve sent a request, such as tapping on a link or starting a video call. On 4G, latency might be around 40 to 50 milliseconds. With 5G, it can drop to near 10 milliseconds or even lower. That might not sound significant if you’re only scrolling through social media. However, for competitive gaming, video conferencing, or any situation where split-second responses are needed, lower latency can greatly enhance the experience. Is 5G the same everywhere? Not exactly. Different mobile providers operate various bands of 5G, which can affect speed and coverage. Some networks emphasise broad coverage at lower frequencies, leading to more widespread but slightly slower speeds. Others use higher frequencies for faster connections, although coverage might be more limited. As the UK continues to invest in expanding 5G networks, these differences could narrow.
Faster Downloads and Streaming The most obvious advantage is speed. Imagine downloading a 4K movie in seconds or enjoying livestreams with fewer interruptions. This speed improvement translates to less buffering and smooth video playback, making it easy to watch shows on the bus or in a café. If you regularly use streaming services, you’ll immediately notice the difference.Better Gaming ExperiencesOnline gaming often requires stable connections and minimal delay. With 5G, gamers can enjoy a nearly lag-free experience. This can be especially important for competitive matches, where a fraction of a second can decide whether you win or lose. Cloud gaming services also benefit from fast and responsive networks, allowing you to play high-performance games even on devices that lack powerful hardware. Improved Video Calls and Remote Work As more people embrace flexible working, reliable mobile data connections are crucial. From video conferences to large file uploads, 5G offers smoother collaboration. If you frequently make video calls while travelling or share large files from your phone, the extra bandwidth can make work tasks far more efficient. Small and medium-sized enterprises exploring mobile-focused operations may also find 5G particularly appealing. Keeping Up in Crowded Areas Ever tried to send a message at a crowded event, only to watch the loading symbol spin? High-density areas like stadiums, concert halls, and busy city centres can overload older networks. 5G is designed to handle more simultaneous connections, so your phone can stay responsive even during peak usage times.
Where is 5G available? Coverage has rapidly expanded since 5G first launched. Major urban centres typically get it first, but smaller towns are catching up. Each provider—such as EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three—has its own rollout plan, so you should check a coverage map to see if your area is included. Even if you don’t have consistent 5G yet, the network can fall back to 4G or 3G automatically. Will coverage improve soon? Yes. The UK government, in partnership with mobile carriers, has pledged to expand 5G coverage significantly over the next few years. Even rural regions can expect improved service, though the timeline can vary. Technological innovations, such as the use of mid-band and high-band frequencies, are speeding up the process. Should you wait for better coverage? It depends. If you live in an area where 5G is already strong, there’s no reason to delay. On the other hand, if coverage is still spotty, you might consider whether the benefits justify the occasional drop back to 4G. Many people find that even partial 5G coverage is worthwhile if they frequently travel for work or visit urban hotspots.
Do you rely on remote work? Professionals who need fast data for presentations, file sharing, or frequent video conferencing tend to see the biggest gains from 5G. It’s possible to manage these tasks with a decent 4G connection, but the extra speed and reliability of 5G can alleviate bottlenecks. Are you a heavy streamer or gamer? If you use your phone to watch 4K content on Netflix, play data-intensive mobile games, or broadcast live videos, you’ll benefit from 5G. Beyond just speed, the reduction in buffering and lag can transform how you experience content on the go. Do you live in a well-covered area? Before upgrading, consider how widespread 5G is around you. Frequent travellers who move between major cities are more likely to see consistent coverage. If you’re primarily in a rural location with limited 5G towers, you may want to check maps to confirm if 5G is set to arrive soon. Are you using a 5G-capable phone? If your current phone only supports 4G, you’ll need a new device to tap into 5G speeds. Some handset contracts bundle the device and 5G data plan together. Alternatively, if you already own a 5G phone, you could save money by focusing on SIM-only deals.
Enhanced Business Communications For businesses, reliable connectivity can be a game-changer. Sales teams on the road, for example, can video conference with clients without worrying about dropping calls. Companies increasingly rely on cloud-based applications, and with 5G, employees can access important data almost instantly. IoT (Internet of Things) and Automation 5G isn’t just about faster phones. The technology supports a vast network of internet-enabled devices (IoT). Smart offices, automated manufacturing, and advanced logistics benefit from the low latency and high capacity of 5G networks. Even smaller businesses can utilise connected devices for real-time data on inventory, fleet tracking, or remote monitoring of equipment.
Growth of Remote Work As remote and hybrid work models become more common, companies need robust connectivity solutions for employees. Some are replacing traditional wired connections with 5G broadband in areas with strong coverage. This setup can be a flexible alternative, especially for smaller offices or temporary locations that lack fibre infrastructure. Cost Efficiency Improved collaboration and reduced downtime can lead to cost savings. Businesses can also look into UK Business Broadband Deals if they need both wired and wireless connectivity for their teams. It’s wise to compare plans to see if 5G solutions offer a better return on investment than older contracts.
Peak Speeds vs. Everyday Speeds While tests have shown that 5G can reach speeds in the gigabits per second range, real-world performance varies. When you’re connected to a robust 5G tower with few other users, you might achieve blazing downloads. In crowded urban environments, speeds can still drop, although the system is designed to handle more connections than 4G.
Battery Life Considerations Early rumours suggested that 5G would drain your phone battery faster. Modern 5G handsets, however, have become more efficient. Some models even have better battery management than older 4G devices. Still, if you frequently tether other devices or push your phone’s data capabilities to the limit, expect a noticeable battery impact. Compatibility Issues If you own a slightly older device, confirm that it supports the UK’s 5G bands. Not all 5G phones are universally compatible, especially if they were imported from another region. Also, keep in mind that some carriers’ 5G coverage primarily uses the sub-6 GHz band, while others are experimenting with millimetre-wave technology. Each band has its pros and cons for speed and range.
Worries About 5G Health Risks Some consumers have expressed concerns that 5G might pose health risks due to higher-frequency signals. According to health agencies and regulators, including Public Health England, there’s no credible evidence that 5G is harmful when it adheres to established safety guidelines. Modern mobile networks must meet specific regulations designed to protect public well-being. Potential for Network Congestion Although 5G can handle more connections, network congestion can still happen if a provider oversells capacity or if many users are connected to the same cell tower at once. Nevertheless, the architecture of 5G is a significant upgrade over 4G, so these congestion points are generally less severe or noticeable. Cost vs. Value 5G contracts can be pricier, especially if you opt for the latest flagship smartphone. If budget is a major concern, consider whether 4G meets your needs. On the other hand, paying slightly more each month for 5G might provide a more productive and enjoyable mobile experience. Weigh the benefits of faster speeds against the extra cost.
Live Sports and Events Picture attending a football match and using your phone to stream different camera angles, check instant replays, and share high-quality videos on social media in real time. 5G’s bandwidth can support all those data-hungry tasks even when thousands of people are in the same stadium. Remote Healthcare In certain pilot projects, 5G has enabled doctors to assist with medical procedures from a distance by providing high-resolution video feeds with minimal delay. While this isn’t widespread yet, it illustrates the potential for telemedicine applications to expand in the coming years. Travel and Navigation Travellers often rely on smartphones for maps, translation apps, and instant booking services. 5G ensures these services remain quick and reliable, making your journeys smoother. If you rely on your phone for real-time traffic updates or last-minute hotel reservations, you’ll appreciate 5G’s speed and responsiveness.
Have you recently switched your broadband provider? What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps others make informed decisions.
For more information, contact our experts or explore the FAQ section for additional tips and guidance.
Let’s make switching simple, transparent, and hassle-free for all in the UK.
We are committed to upholding these core principles in everything we do:
We provide clear, straightforward comparisons so you can trust the information you receive.
We treat every deal and provider equally, ensuring an unbiased and honest experience.
We use cutting-edge tools and technology to make switching as easy and efficient as possible.
Your needs are at the heart of everything we do — from the deals we showcase to the support we offer.
We use essential cookies to make our site work and optional cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. For more details, visit our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Terms of Use. If you do not wish to accept cookies, you may choose not to use our service. For questions, visit our Contact Us page.
SearchSwitchSave - Accessibility
UK consumers to effortlessly find and compare the best broadband, mobile, and TV deals.
UK consumers to effortlessly find and compare the best broadband, mobile, and TV deals.