5G: everything you need to know.

5G: everything you need to know


What is 5G?

5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before.

Combining cutting-edge network technology and the very latest research, 5G should offer connections that are multitudes faster than current connections, with average download speeds of around 1GBps expected to soon be the norm.

The networks will help power a huge rise in Internet of Things technology, providing the infrastructure needed to carry huge amounts of data, allowing for a smarter and more connected world.

With development well underway and testbeds already live across the world, 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020, working alongside existing 3G and 4G technology to provide speedier connections that stay online no matter where you are.

When will 5G launch?

In the US

Verizon surprised most of the world by launching its 5G network at the start of April 2019, making it the first globally to offer the next-generation network.

It’s currently only available in limited parts of Chicago and a few other locations, and there are just two handsets currently available to use on the new 5G network.

In Chicago, US we’ve managed to obtain speeds of up to 1.4Gbps, which is massively faster than 4G’s theoretical top speed of 300Mbps (although average speeds tend to be below 100Mbps). 

However, 5G coverage is patchy and we had to move around the city’s various 5G masts to get this top speed. We did tend to get around 1Gbps quite consistently though.

5G in London, UK is more of a mixed bag, with speeds in our test ranging from 200Mbps to 550Mbps – still much quicker than 4G, but not the same level as we are seeing in Chicago.

AT&T has rolled out its 5G network to 19 cities across the States, but it still doesn’t offer any 5G phones – with your only option for now a 5G Netgear Nitehawk mobile hotspot.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile is yet to launch its 5G network in the US, but it previously said it would bring 5G to 30 cities, starting in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Las Vegas.

In the UK

EE was the first UK carrier to launch its 5G network, switching it on in six cities on May 30 2019. It’s promised to bring 5G to 10 further cities by the end of 2019.

It will then be followed by Vodafone on July 3, 2019, when it will launch 5G in seven cities, with a total of 19 locations covered by the end of the year.

O2 and Three have also committed to launching 5G networks in 2019, but we’re yet to get a firm release date from either carrier.

What 5G phones are available?

Image Credit: TechRadar

A number of 5G phone announcements have been made in 2019, however only a handful are currently available, and the choice is further limited by country and carrier.

In the US, Motorola’s 5G Moto Mod provides next-generation connectivity to a select few Moto Z handsets, plus the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is also available.

For those in the UK, you can currently get hold of four 5G phones; the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, Oppo Reno 5G, OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and the LG V50 ThinQ 5G.

How fast is 5G?

5G speeds will vary between locations, countries, carriers and devices, but on the whole the average internet speed you can expect should be much greater than what’s currently offered on 4G.

We’ve been testing the first 5G networks in both the US and UK, and have found speeds to be a little bit of a mixed bag.

5G – the latest news

31/05 – DEVICES5G will help smartphone sales recover in late 2019Market will still contract in 2019…

31/05 – NETWORKSThe unsung heroes of 5G: which companies are pushing the tech forward?From Qualcomm to ZTE…

29/05 – OPINIONA new force on the horizon: the future of video will be 5G – 5G technology is finally moving from hype to real testing and deployment…

29/05 – NETWORKSEurope has best 4G ahead of 5G launches – UK 4G availability nears 85 per cent…

29/05 – DEVICES5G phones are expensive, but MediaTek wants to change that – We talk to MediaTek on its plans to introduce feasibly-priced 5G phones…

27/05 – DEVICESIs this what mobile 5G gaming will look like? – Game on…

24/05 – NETWORKSOfcom proposes further duct and pole access to boost 5G – Regulator wants to help spread of 5G…

23/05 – DEVICESXiaomi Mi Mix 3 is the UK’s first 5G phoneAnd Vodafone is selling it first…

23/05 – DEVICESDixons Carphone pulls Huawei 5G handsetsEE and Vodafone suspend pre-orders…

22/05 – NETWORKSThe CEO of EE just made the best case for 5G yetWe’ll use it for things we don’t even know we need right now…

22/05 – DEVICESEE temporarily pulls Huawei Mate 20 X from 5G line after Android restrictionsBut perhaps not permanently…

22/05 – NETWORKSEE targets businesses as it launches 5G ‘Phase One’EE wins UK 5G race and will launch next week, pitches reliability and convergence…

22/05 – NETWORKSEE targets businesses as it launches 5G ‘Phase One’EE wins UK 5G race and will launch next week, pitches reliability and convergence…

22/05 – NETWORKSEE will launch the UK’s first 5G network on May 30Bringing a new level of connectivity…

20/05 – NETWORKSLamp post rows could delay UK 5G rolloutOperators and councils clash over street furniture

14/05 – NETWORKSVodafone 5G will launch in seven UK cities this JulyAnd it will cost the same as 4G…

10/05 – DEVICES3 ways Android Q is being built for 5GGiving developers – and users – more info…

10/05 – NETWORKSO2 improves indoor coverage for 5G as revenues riseShopping centres, stadiums and other public services are covered…

09/05 – NETWORKSUK 5G could be delayed over security worriesCulture Secretary won’t rule out UK 5G delay as Huawei debate rumbles on…

09/05 – NETWORKSBT increases fibre target and promises imminent EE 5G launchBT targets 4m fibre premises by 2021…

07/05 – NETWORKSEricsson: Consumers will pay more for 5G and there are use casesEricsson makes case for 5G to the industry…

04/05 – DEVICESThe first 5G phone in Europe was unexpected – and here’s what it means for youA new champion enters the ring…

03/05 – NETWORKSSouth Korea reaches 260,000 5G usersHowever some alrady complain of technical and coverage issues…

02/05 – DEVICESHuawei is developing a 5G 8K TV because that’s apparently a thing now5G is coming… to your TV…

01/05 – DEVICESEE sets foundations for 5G with new Smart Plans phone dealsMore flexibility the intention from UK’s fastest phone network…

29/04 – NETWORKSChina urges UK to act independently over Huawei and 5GChinese ambassador says Britain should resist pressure…

26/04 – NETWORKSEE brings 5G to Glastonbury 2019Operator to build 5G network at famous music festival…

26/04 – DEVICESApple could be working on a 5G iPad ProBut we won’t see it for a few more years…

24/04 – OPINIONUK’s Huawei decision ends uncertainty for 5G operatorsHuawei ruling matters far more to politicians than to networks…

24/04 – NETWORKSThe UK will let Huawei build selected parts of its 5G infrastructureChinese company still banned from providing ‘core’ elements…

23/04 – NETWORKSEU backs WiFi over 5G for connected carsEuropean Commission chose WiFi as it is currently available unlike 5G…

17/04 – DEVICESIntel abandons plans for 5G smartphone modemsIntel won’t supply modems for the 5G…

17/04 – DEVICESHuawei has no plans to supply Apple with 5G modem chipsFounder had suggested it was a possibility…

17/04 – ANALYSISDriving the future: the route to autonomous travel is vested in a reliable 5G infrastructureWhy its vital to ensure reliable 5G coverage for connected and autonomous vehicles…

17/04 – DEVICESWe might see iPhone 5G in 2020 after all5G’s back on the menu…

17/04 – NETWORKSHuawei agrees 40 5G contractsHuawei sees 5G customer base grow…

16/04 – ANALYSIS5G: How will businesses benefit?5G is coming…is your business prepared?

15/04 – NETWORKSTrump vows not to nationalise 5G as FCC makes funding and spectrum availableFCC to auction 3400MHz of spectrum…

12/04 – NETWORKSO2 switches on 5G spectrum to power connected car testsAutoAir tests connected and autonomous vehicle technology…

11/04 – NETWORKSBT boosts network capacity to cope with FTTP and 5G data growthBT first to use Nokia 7750 SR-s platform…

10/04 – DEVICESExclusive: We could see a Black Shark 5G phone before the end of the yearEmbracing cloud gaming…

10/04 – DEVICESGoogle Stadia may be the first good use for 5G phonesYou could soon be playing AAA games on your smartphone…

10/04 – NETWORKSMobile industry pushes 5G as EU debates Wi-Fi standard for connected carsGSMA says Wi-Fi is old technology…

10/04 – OPINION5G’s impact on the future of workHow the next generation of wireless technology will empower fontline workers…

09/04 – NETWORKSAT&T just opened 5G in seven more cities, still doesn’t have a 5G phone –  Hotspot or bust…

08/04 – DEVICESThe world’s first 5G phone: our hands-on with the future of smartphonesImpressions from our five days with the first 5G phone you can buy…

08/04 – DEVICESApple’s iPhone 2020 may have 5G trouble, but Huawei is eager to helpIf Intel can’t deliver, and Apple and Qualcomm can’t make up…

05/04 – NETWORKSHuawei 5G ban could cost UK economy £6.8bnReport says ban would damage UK 5G leadership bid…

04/04 – DEVICESSamsung starts mass production of 5G chipsNext-generation modem and RF receivers go into production…

03/04 – NETWORKS5G set to deliver £15.7bn in business revenue by 2025Barclays says conditions must be right…

02/04 – ANALYSISThe future of cybersecurity in a 5G-connected worldWith more endpoints comes more ways a hacker can penetrate your network…

26/03 – NETWORKSOfcom confirms 5G, USO and rural 4G among priorities for 2019Regulator issues update for industry…

25/03 – NETWORKSEU ‘won’t ban’ Huawei from 5G networksEU wants member states to share cybersecurity data instead…

21/03 – NETWORKSThree increases annual revenues ahead of 5G launchOperator says 2018 was solid foundational year…

14/03 – DEVICESWhat will future 5G smartphones look like?Industry experts believe a new era is upon us…

13/03 – NETWORKSVerizon to launch mobile 5G next monthVerizon set to launch first 5G mobile broadband service…

13/03 – DEVICESNissan uses 5G to put an augmented reality co-driver in your passenger seatA virtual companion for lonely road trips…

12/03 – NETWORKSGermany makes private 5G spectrum available for industryIIoT gets boost with local network pledge…

11/03 – NETWORKSGermany won’t ban Huawei but tightens rules for all 5G vendorsMinisters and regulator say they don’t want to ban Huawei…

08/03 – ANALYSIS5G and a better-connected worldTurning the next generation of wireless into a reality…

07/03 – NETWORKSVodafone UK expands 5G launch to 19 towns and citiesMore locations named ahead of commercial launch…

07/03 – NETWORKS15m Brits would switch to 5G nowBut 5G adoption will be slower than 4G, says Deloitte…

06/03 – NETWORKSFive Eyes “needs major 5G vendor”Former Australian Prime Minister warns Five Eyes nations on 5G security…

03/03 – DEVICESWhy have so many 5G phones been launched already this year?Surely, it’s too early?

02/03 – DEVICESFoldable phones, 5G and cinematic screens: how smartphones are changing this yearMWC 2019 showed a quiet revolution is coming…

01/03 – DEVICESMotorola targets mid-range in 5G and foldable smartphone era – “New dawn” beckons for Motorola in the mobile market…

28/02 – NETWORKSBT hires 1,600 apprentices ahead of EE 5G launchBT looks for apprentice and graduates to future proof workforce…

27/02 – NETWORKSSecurity and cost worries could harm 5GBusiness and technology executives underestimate the disruptive prospects of 5G…

27/02 – NETWORKSFC Barcelona’s Nou Camp will be ‘first’ 5G stadiumFans to benefit from immersive 5G experiences…

26/02 – DEVICESSprint 5G: all the phones coming to the next-gen networkTop networks require top phones…

26/02 – NETWORKSNokia says it is the one-stop shop for 5G network gearNokia details new equipment and operator partnerships…

26/02 – NETWORKSGoogle Fi customers will get 5G from Sprint’s networkMVNO gets 5G…

25/02 – NETWORKSSecurity flaws in 4G and 5G revealedNew flaws allow attackers to intercept calls and user locations…

25/02 – DEVICESSony will make a 5G phone, but only when the tech rolls outIt won’t be left behind in 5G race…

25/02 – DEVICESLenovo teases first 5G laptop powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxBut, what’s taking so long – and where are the rest?

25/02 – NETWORKSGSMA: One in seven connections will be 5G by 2025GSMA kicks off MWC with prediction for the market…

25/02 – DEVICESAffordable 5G phones will arrive in early 2020Not a flagship exclusive for long…

25/02 – DEVICESHTC 5G home hub gets you ready for superfast internetGet your home or office 5G-ready…

24/02 – DEVICESXiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G may be your first 5G-ready phoneOne of the first 5G phones of MWC 2019…

22/02 – DEVICESWill Samsung enjoy first mover advantage with 5G?Samsung beats rivals to 5G smartphone…

22/02 – ANALYSISHuawei: We make it cheaper and simpler to deploy 5GHead of carrier business touts benefits of 5G kit ahead of MWC…

21/02 – NETWORKS5G could solve major 4G congestionCurrent 4G download speeds differ greatly depending on country and time of day…

21/02 – DEVICESGemalto makes 5G SIM card available to operatorsGemalto pitches “world-first” 5G SIM card…

21/02 – NETWORKSO2 5G confirmed to launch in these four cities in 2019O2 5G will go live in UK capitals this year…

20/12 – NETWORKS5G will account for a quarter of UK mobile data traffic by 2022UK will be second only to the US in 5G…

20/02 – NETWORKSVodafone ‘world-first’ connects smartphones to 5G networkVodafone connects handset in Barcelona ahead of MWC next week…

19/02 – DEVICESYou may want to hold off buying a 5G phone until 2020This second generation 5G modem will make a difference…

19/02 – NETWORKSThree trials cloud core 5G network with staffFull rollout expected later in 2019…

19/02 – ANALYSISDoes sports content hold the key to 5G adoption?Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 could be first time many experience 5G…

18/02 – NETWORKSUK ‘doesn’t need to ban’ Huawei 5G kitHuawei’s 5G equipment is a ‘manageable risk’, NCSC apparently claims…

18/02 – NETWORKSVodafone UK switches on first 5G airportManchester Airport upgraded to superfast speeds for consumers to try out 5G…

15/02 – NETWORKSThree brings 5G to the catwalk and its flagship storeThree shows off 5G to consumers at London Fashion Week…

13/02 – NETWORKSUK switches on first 5G factory trialsWorcestershire 5G testbed goes live…

11/02 – NETWORKSSprint sues AT&T over ‘5GE’ claimRivals clash in 5G row…

11/02 – ANALYSISAI, 5G and the race to completely autonomous vehiclesNow is the time to implement a data-centric architecture…

08/02 – NETWORKSTrump anticipated to ban 5G networks from using Chinese techAn executive order is expected to come before MWC…

07/02 – DEVICESVodafone trials 5G form factor device with Ericsson and QualcommOperator takes step forward in 5G development…

06/02 – NETWORKSUS urges EU to reconsider role of Huawei in 5GUS ramps up pressure on Huawei with stark warning…

05/02 – NETWORKSEricsson joins O-RAN to drive intelligent 5G radio developmentEricsson extends commitment to open standards…

04/02 – NETWORKSGSMA suggests Huawei 5G talks at MWCIndustry concerned at Huawei 5G exclusion following long-term controversies…

01/02 – DEVICESHuawei 5G foldable phone teased in MWC 2019 press conference inviteOur first look at the world’s first foldable 5G phone…

31/01 – ANALYSISInvesting in a 5G future: The role of MNOs5G’s 2020 rollout is fast approaching…

31/01 – NETWORKSNokia predicts staggered demand for 5G kit in 2019Nokia reports increased revenue and profit in Q4…

31/01 – DEVICES5G phones: these are going to be the first next-gen handsetsThe new 5G phones of 2019 and beyond…

31/01 – DEVICESLG hints strongly at 5G foldable phones for 2019Taking the fight to Samsung’s Galaxy X…

28/01 – NETWORKSChinese EU Ambassador says Huawei 5G ban would be ‘self-defeating’Senior diplomat dismisses security fears as fabrications…

25/01 – DEVICESHuawei says it’ll show off a foldable 5G phone at MWC 2019The world’s first 5G phone with a foldable screen…

24/01 – HARDWAREHuawei reveals 5G modem and base station chipsHuawei chips will ease deployment and widen support…

22/01 – NETWORKSVodafone and O2 team up on 5G network sharingTwo operators look at options for mast infrastructure as they extend network sharing deal to cover 5G…

17/01 – NETWORKSHuawei faces US probe as Germany considers 5G optionsUS DoJ reportedly accuses Huawei of trade secret theft…

14/01 – NETWORKSUS government shutdown is threat to 5G rolloutIndustry body warns about impact of FCC shutdown…

14/01 – HARDWAREIntel wants to be your one-stop shop for 5GIntel VP tells us that “5G runs on Intel”…

14/01 – DEVICESApple looks at Samsung and MediaTek modems for 5G iPhoneLatest revelations from Qualcomm’s antitrust trial…

12/01 – DEVICESiPhone 11 tipped to have faster Wi-Fi, but 5G might have to waitBetter speeds for the 2019 iPhones?

11/01 – NETWORKSEricsson tests strengthen wireless backhaul’s suitability for 5GEricsson and Deutsche Telekom trials achieve ‘fibre-like’ performance…

10/01 – NETWORKST-Mobile continues US 5G crusade with 600MHz call testsT-Mobile completes multi-band call tests with Ericsson and Intel…

09/01 – DEVICES5G and fixed displays to drive smartphone sales in 2019Research suggests 5G might be silver bullet…

09/01 – NETWORKSAT&T claims advanced 4G is ‘5G’Software update claims advanced 4G is 5G Evolution…

08/01 – DEVICES5G can be tonic for smartphone saturationGSMA Intelligence finds 80 per cent of developed world owns a smartphone…

08/01 – HARDWARE – Intel targets 5G base stations with ‘Snow Ridge’ chipsIntel hopes edge computing advantage will pay off…

08/01 – NETWORKSThe Galaxy S10 isn’t at CES 2019, but Samsung’s 5G plans are hereSamsung Galaxy S10 is here in pieces if you look closely…

06/01 – DEVICESByton confirms M-Byte car will be available in 2019 with AI, 5G and 48-inch displayThat’s a whole lot of screen…

04/01 – ANALYSISWhat to expect from 5G at CES 20195G could be the star of the show at CES 2019…


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