What You Need To Book About The Next Generation Network
With much excitement, the switch was finally flipped on the UK’s first 5G network this week, and it is full steam ahead for the new tech. Network operator EE, part of BT, was first out of the gate. Vodafone is following on 3 July. O2 and Three expect to launch their networks later this year.
The UK is one of the first countries in Europe to start rolling out 5G but Switzerland is the furthest along with 227 areas, according to the tracking firm Ookla. There are also limited areas in Finland, Italy, Poland, and Spain. 5G networks are also up and running in parts of the US, Argentina, South Africa, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, China, South Korea, and Australia.
Let’s explore 5G technology, where you can get it, how it will make a difference in your life, how this affects your business, and how much it will set your pocket back at the end of the day.
1. Let’s start at the beginning; what exactly is 5G?
It is what we refer to as the next-generation mobile phone network promising higher connection speeds, faster response times, and more reliability than the current 4G networks that the majority are using today. With up to ten times faster download speeds large media such as a movie or an episode of your latest favourite series takes seconds to download as opposed to minutes, and additionally carrying capacity increases allowing more individuals to connect simultaneously.
2. Who gets it and who needs it?
Early adopters of 5G will be individuals upgrading their mobile technology through their service providers with the renewal of their contracts, and those in urban areas encountering continual problems with their 4G connection which is holding them back in some way. EE’s CEO, Marc Allera, said it so well when he was quoted by The Guardian as saying “5G is like getting a seat on a packed train, or a lane of the motorway… all to yourself.”. Aside from the obvious personal use of the 5G network the benefits to businesses substantially surpass the current technology.
3. Where and when do you get it?
EE is launching its 5G network in the busiest areas of Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Later this year other areas will join, in Bristol, Coventry, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Vodafone is kicking off its 5G network in parts of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London. Later this year it will flick the switch in Birkenhead, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Guildford, Newbury, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Warrington, and Wolverhampton.
4. What’s The Damage?
On EE: 5G costs £5 more than 4G, which means from £54 per month for 24 months with 10GB of data and a phone (£170 up front) or from £32 per month for 20GB for sim-only for 12 months. On Vodafone: 5G plans cost the same as 4G plans, starting at £50 per month for 24 months with 5GB of data and a phone (£99 up front). The network does not offer sim-only 5G plans.
5. Do I need a new phone?
To access the 5G network you need a smartphone with a 5G modem. Some of the phones currently available include Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G, the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G, Xiaomi’s Mi Mix 3 5G, LG’s V50, and the Oppo Reno 5G. Most 5G phones are top-of-the-line and pricey.
6. Is All 5G Created Equal?
The simple answer is… No. 5G connections can operate on a range of frequencies, and there are substantial differences between them. 5G networks in the UK will initially be launched on sub-6GHz frequencies, primarily between 3.4 and 3.6GHz (4G operates between 800MHz and 2.6GHz in the UK). The higher the frequency, the higher the carrying capacity and speed of the network. But the higher the frequency the smaller the distance covered effectively and the less well the radio waves can penetrate objects. So buildings, cars, people, and other obstacles block the signal.
Who Do You Talk To About 5G for Business?
Happy Telecom is a boutique telecommunications boutique committed to exceptionally high service standards for all our customers, no matter what size of business. Our experienced team is ready to discuss the 5G options that will optimise your operations.
Call 0800 285 1533 or email sales@happytelecom.co.uk.