What is 5G?

5G is often in the headlines, but what is it and what does it mean for your mobile phone? Here, we find out what it’s all about along with its pros and cons.

What is 5G?

The ‘G’ stands for ‘generation’ so 5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless (mobile) technology. It’s the latest development after 4G, 3G and 2G and offers much greater speeds and allows for far more devices to be connected at the same time.

Why do we need 5G?

5G is the next stage in the evolution of wireless technology. Like other previous generations, it will allow users to do more while they’re out and about. For example, 2G enabled mobile phone users to send text messages, 3G meant they could get online, and 4G led to faster on the go browsing.

What are the benefits of 5G?

One of the biggest benefits is increased speed. Alongside this is reduced latency, which is the amount of time it takes for a device to carry out the action you’ve instructed it to do. For gamers in particular, reduced latency can improve user experience and allow you to interact in ‘real-time’. Another benefit is that 5G technology can help reduce the amount of energy your devices use which should increase battery life.

5G also allows more devices to be connected at the same time, combined with its much faster speeds, this can help drive even more technology innovation. Areas that could benefit from 5G include augmented realities which could be used for both education and entertainment.

And the downsides of 5G?

While 5G is now a mainstream technology widely available in urban and suburban areas, a significant digital divide remains its primary downside in 2026. Infrastructure has matured over the last five years, but recent studies show that while urban 'not-spots' affect less than 3% of city communities, a staggering 46% of deprived rural areas still lack consistent 5G access.

For those in Scotland, Wales, East Anglia, and the South West, this disparity means missing out on the faster speeds and lower latency that their urban counterparts now take for granted.

Plus, new technology can mean new security risks, especially if more devices are connected.

Is 5G available everywhere in the UK?

All four of the main network providers (EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone) offer 5G. As of early 2026, 5G coverage is widespread across the UK, with outdoor signals from at least one operator now reaching between 94% and 97% of the population. The industry's current benchmark has shifted toward 5G Standalone (5G SA)—often branded as '5G+' or 'Full 5G'—which currently reaches roughly 83% to 87% of the population, depending on the network. While major cities and towns enjoy near-blanket coverage, rural 5G availability remains a work in progress, currently covering about 19% to 30% of rural premises.

Bear in mind that different mobile networks have their own roll out plans in place, so if and when you can access 5G, will depend on your provider. In most cases, firms focussed their efforts on delivering 5G to larger towns and cities, but are now starting to turn their attention to more rural parts of the UK.

How much faster is 5G compared to 4G?

5G is significantly faster than 4G but speed will vary depending on your mobile provider and where you are in the country.

On average, UK users now experience 4G download speeds of approximately 36Mbps. However, 5G performance has surged as infrastructure has matured; typical 5G download speeds now range between 80Mbps and 210Mbps. In areas with '5G Standalone' coverage, these speeds can reliably exceed 250Mbps, while peak 5G speeds in major urban hubs have been clocked at over 900Mbps, making the latest generation roughly 3 to 6 times faster than 4G for the average user. To put that into perspective, it means you could download a high-definition film over 5G in less than a second.

Which mobile network offers the greatest 5G coverage?

Each of the four big network providers are constantly improving their 5G services. The latest data collected in the second half of 2025 by mobile testing firm, RootMetrics reveals that while the competition has tightened, EE has reclaimed the lead in 5G performance, with Three remaining a powerful contender for raw speed. The current median 5G download speeds are:

EE currently holds the title for 'Best 5G Experience' due to its speed consistency and the widest availability of 5G Standalone technology, while Three continues to leverage its significant spectrum holdings to deliver the highest 95th-percentile (peak) speeds in the country.

Most mobile virtual network operators using these providers, including budget-friendly options like Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile, now also include 5G at no extra cost.

Do all phones support 5G?

To access 5G, your phone will need to be 5G enabled. The majority of new smartphones are 5G ready but it’s worth checking if you’re looking for a new handset.

Can I use 5G for home broadband?

If you live somewhere with 5G, then yes, you could use 5G mobile technology as your home internet connection. You’ll need a 5G router or dongle (depending on how many devices you want to connect).

You’ll need to consider that mobile broadband deals could limit your monthly data and unlimited data packages could be more expensive compared to traditional home broadband. Not only that, depending on where you live and the stability of the signal, your connection could be inconsistent.

Nevertheless, mobile broadband is often considered a good option if you travel a lot or move on a regular basis.

Are there any health risks?

5G has been in the news with people worried about its impact on health. However, the UK Health Security Agency has advised that 5G should not pose any danger to health and that exposure to radio waves ‘remain low’ according to international standards.

This view is also supported by Cancer Research UK, who also state that ‘there is no good evidence that the 5G mobile network increases cancer risk’.

Where can I compare 5G mobile phone deals?

Most smartphones are now 5G enabled which means you’ll be able to use the 5G network if it’s available where you are.

To compare the latest contract and SIM only packages, why not head over to Uswitch below. Simply toggle ‘5G only’ to search fifth generation deals.