How to Get 5G in the UK – Best Service Providers, Phone Plans, and Much More

You must have heard about 5G in the UK and wondered what this term entails. 5G services in the UK is the fifth generation of mobile networks, which is faster and more reliable than the previous generations, i.e., 2G, 3G, and 4G. This generation of mobile networks has promised to bring more reliable internet connectivity with much lower response time and great capacity.

This amazing generation is called the “Network of Networks,” It has eliminated any chances of lag in your social calls and professional meetings. Ever had a meeting where you couldn’t properly communicate with your teams due to data throttling? Say no more to such frustrating experiences with the help of 5G connectivity.

5G coverage has evolved with existing standards and a cross-functional combination of different technologies. This has removed the flaws and bugs in the previous generations, enabling 5G mobile data generation with zero bugs and shortcomings.

Are you interested to learn more about the 5^th Generation of Mobile? You have hit the right website! This blog will educate you on data coverage of 5G within the United Kingdom, along with the Networks that allow you to enjoy 5G connectivity.

Not Just the network operators, we also have various data plans covered, so you may choose the one that suits you most. Without further due, let’s jump straight to the exciting content!

How Does 5G Work?

5G is a new generation of wireless technology that operates like other wireless communication systems but has higher radio frequencies that clutter less. This allows a more effective and faster flow of information so you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity. The higher bands used in the 5^th generation are called millimeter waves, and they have been recently opted by the network providers to provide 5g coverage in the UK.

Current estimates indicate that 5G could handle 1,000 more devices per meter compared to 4G. Smaller transmitters are placed on buildings and streets to send signals to the devices for faster communication rates.

5G technology slices physical networks into multiple virtual networks. This allows the operator to send the right slice to the right user. For example, an individual streaming video content will get a different slice than someone driving an autonomous vehicle.

📰 We have good news for you if you need 5G technology for business purposes! 5G will allow businesses to rent their slice to enjoy the data without competing with the internet traffic. Are you interested in having 5G technology? Let’s first determine if your area has 5G network coverage.

What is the Difference Between 4G and 5G?

The major difference between 4G and 5G is latency. Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to reach its destination from its origin. 5G technology promises low latency, and the data packets will be delivered to their destination (your device) in less than 5 seconds. Compared to this, 4G technology had a latency of 60 milliseconds. Imagine how fast the technology is!

Along with latency, 5G has a much faster download speed than 4G. The downloading speed of 4G was 1 GBPs, whereas 5G promises to have tenfold the rate. This means you can enjoy a speed of 10 Gbps if you are on 5G.

Base stations are another major difference that makes 5G a unique technology. In 4G technology, the signals were transmitted from towers. This increased the distance between the origination and destination of data packets. 5g in the UK uses small-cell technology due to its faster speed and mm-Wave frequency.  This technology is deployed in boxes in multiple locations.  This increases the data speed and lessens the distance from the source to your location.

Carriers must deploy high band 5G in small cells like pizza-size boxes. Small cell technology travels shorter distances. Therefore, the stations need to be deployed at shorter distances in 5 G-capable areas so that users and businesses can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity.

Where is 5G Available in the UK?

5G is available in more than 113 major towns and cities, and the coverage is expected to improve with each passing day. It is a huge technological advancement aiming to improve our personal and business lives.

🕔 5^th generation, the internet is available to 50% of the UK’s population. The network providers are currently rolling out the coverage across the United States.   Estimates indicate that 100% of the population will have it by 2028.

The 5G technology is currently available for the following destinations:

The 5g areas in the UK depend on your network operator. Some operators currently have it covered for many cities, while others are rolling out their network coverage. So, before deciding which operator to choose, make sure that it currently has 5G services in your area or they plan to launch it soon.

Considering the factor of network operator will help you enjoy super-fast 5G connectivity, so you can browse social media or call your loved ones on the go. Ready to read which network operators currently have 5G availability in the UK? We have that covered!

Interesting Read: 5G MNVO: Opportunities and Challenges for the Technology

Which Networks Have 5G in the UK Right Now?

Currently, 14 Networks have 5G coverage within the United Kingdom.  The technology was launched in 2019, and network providers are currently working on extending the cities and towns of their coverage. How long will it take? Nobody knows the exact time. However, a rough estimate indicates that 2028 will be the year of complete 5G coverage in the United Kingdom.

EE was the first operator to launch 5G within the United Kingdom. Vodafone, 02, and three jumped into the business after a short while, followed by many MVNOS. The table below provides a detailed overview of the network providers that currently have 5G in the United Kingdom.

How Fast is 5G?

5G is around ten times faster than 4G. The 5^th generation has an average speed of 150-200 MBs, which may reach up to 1 Gbps at its peak. Do you know what this means? With a working 5G on your phone, you can download a complete HD movie in around 3 minutes. On 4G, you would have to wait for 15 minutes to complete this download.  Wow! What a speed!

Various factors that may affect 5G Speed include:

• How far are you from the mast?
• What spectrum is being used?
• How many people around you are using 5G?

Interested to learn what 5g plans look like? We have listed several data plans that might give you a rough picture of what 5G data plans look like.

What are 5G Data Plans like?

Every network provider has different deals. Most often, the SIM-only deals for 5G are no different from that for 4G. Usually, the average cost of Unlimited data is £25. Too much to be paid for data? You can subscribe to other affordable plans with lesser GBs per your needs.

The plans for 5G SIM-only deals look like the ones listed below:

Contract plans are different from SIM-only deals. You have to commit yourself to a year to the contract plan.  Each service provider has different contract plans, and you can choose the one that suits you most. The following table will help you assess what 5G plans look like.

How Do I Get 5G on My Mobile Phone?

There are some prerequisites that you should have to enjoy 5G connectivity. First, you should have a phone that supports 5G. Second, you must be in an area with 5G coverage. Boom, there you go. You are ready to enjoy 5G connectivity. Still can’t see 5G in the status bar? These tips might help.

Contact your service provider to ensure you are in a 5G coverage area. Your phone settings might be problematic if you are in the coverage area and still can’t see 5G in the status bar.

To set the correct configuration for 5G connectivity, go to settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options. From the Mobile data option, turn on 5G connectivity to enjoy uninterrupted social communication.

If your settings are correct, and you still do not see the 5G icon in the status bar, try turning on airplane mode. Turn the airplane mode on and turn it off to see if this works for you. If it did, enjoy the connectivity and thank us later. Contact your network provider and ask them for assistance if it didn’t.

Interesting Read: Separating Facts from Myths – Common Myths about 5G Debunked

Bottom Line

5G has already benefited many customers and businesses in the United Kingdom.  A local council has installed 5G notes for social care patients. This has helped patients and their families to stay connected with each other. The deployment of 5G has also enabled remotely check if patients are taking care of their medications. Think twice before missing your medicines next time!

5G technology is also used in the farming industry; autonomous machinery is controlled through 5G coverage in the UK. This helps save resources and boost the production yield. Transport networks and local authorities have also benefited from the technology.

Being a customer, you must have also used the 5^th generation; what changes did you notice? The technology has many benefits for commercial users as well.

5G Technology has shortened the time required to perform specific actions, such as watching your favorite TV show or connecting with your loved ones, without the hustle of data throttling. If your vicinity doesn’t have 5G coverage, you will have to wait until you enjoy this leisure and connect with your loved ones.