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Home » News & Insights » 5G explained: What is it and how fast will it make smartphone browsing?
5G explained: What is it and how fast will it make smartphone browsing?
The big four UK networks have started rolling out faster speeds across parts of the country.
O2 has become the latest mobile operator to launch its 5G network, promising faster data speeds in busy areas.
The network is being introduced in six UK towns and cities, after EE, Vodafone and Three 5G launches earlier this year.
But what is 5G and how is it different to current generation 4G?
5G is the next generation of wireless mobile connections, following the 4G networks currently used by smartphones across the globe.
As the name suggests, this is the fifth generation of the network technology.
It's here! 🤗 Our #O25G network is now live in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds, Cardiff and Slough.
Experience the power of #5G today on Britain's Best Network for Coverage 👉 https://t.co/fQWCutBb3Y
Terms apply. pic.twitter.com/KN1A3VXK4W
— O2 in the UK (@O2) October 17, 2019
How fast will 5G be?
There is no official speed standard for 5G, but many experts expect it to be up to 10 times faster than 4G – and therefore potentially faster than some home fibre broadband.
Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, said: "5G is a next-gen network technology that should deliver speeds of up to 10Gbps – on paper, that's considerably faster than 4G's top-end speed of 300Mbps.
"In practice though, as we've seen with 4G, the speeds will likely be well below that, but real-world tests do show it's still much quicker than its predecessor.
"Where you'll see a real difference with 5G is in the speeds you can download Ultra HD and 3D video. At 5G's theoretical top speed, you could download an entire 25GB Ultra HD movie in about 20 seconds."
Vodafone previously demonstrated how 5G could be used for holographic calls (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Which networks have launched 5G in the UK?
EE was first to launch its 5G network – at the end of May – starting with six cities: London, Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.
Vodafone switched on 5G in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London on July 3.
Three began turning on its 5G network in August and now O2 has begun its rollout.
The process will be a gradual rollout, meaning 5G will not be widely available everywhere for years to come.
How does 5G work?
5G is made up of unique radio frequencies that are broken up into bands. These frequencies are a lot higher than 4G, which means they can support a larger capacity.
Experts say this means more connected devices can be used at one time.
"5G tech also has the capacity to handle the surge in demand for bandwidth generated by the Internet of Things boom," Mr Doku said.
"5G is considered a millimetre wave technology – with a shorter wavelength than 4G, it has a higher frequency, which gives it a higher bandwidth and consequently ability to handle more data."
Experts have suggested one potential benefit could be the increased ability to operate data-heavy networks, such as those needed to power autonomous vehicles, in years to come.
EE was the first UK network to launch 5G (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
How much will 5G cost?
So far, pricing has varied across networks, with costs higher than 4G on some networks given that it is a new technology.
However some have launched with the promise of 5G data plans at the same price as existing 4G deals.
Experts have also noted that, as was seen with 4G's maturation, prices are likely to fall as 5G becomes more widely available.
5G has opened up many more opportunities and integrating this new technology into new processes can take time and research. The government has created initiatives to help business in times of transition, both R&D tax credits and Patent Box are great ways that companies can access funding to support their next idea. Speak to our team to find out how your business could benefit.
Belfast port workers don 5G headsets to live stream work to base
Harbour police are also trialling new technology that allows them to broadcast real time footage back to commanders.
O2 begins rollout of its 5G network
The mobile operator O2 has started its rollout in six UK towns and cities, supporting the vision to see the UK become a global leader in 5G
Scotland aims to be leader in 5G technology
It has been suggested that 5G could enable Scotland to add around £17 billion to GDP by 2035 and create 160,000 jobs.
Speak to one of our advisors today call on 01933 510 022
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