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?

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 – DEVICES – 5G will help smartphone sales recover in late 2019 – Market will still contract in 2019…

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

29/05 – OPINION – A 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 – NETWORKS – Europe has best 4G ahead of 5G launches – UK 4G availability nears 85 per cent…

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

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

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

23/05 – DEVICES – Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is the UK’s first 5G phone – And Vodafone is selling it first…

23/05 – DEVICES – Dixons Carphone pulls Huawei 5G handsets – EE and Vodafone suspend pre-orders…

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

22/05 – DEVICES – EE temporarily pulls Huawei Mate 20 X from 5G line after Android restrictions – But perhaps not permanently…

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

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

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

20/05 – NETWORKS – Lamp post rows could delay UK 5G rollout – Operators and councils clash over street furniture

14/05 – NETWORKS – Vodafone 5G will launch in seven UK cities this July – And it will cost the same as 4G…

10/05 – DEVICES – 3 ways Android Q is being built for 5G – Giving developers – and users – more info…

10/05 – NETWORKS – O2 improves indoor coverage for 5G as revenues rise – Shopping centres, stadiums and other public services are covered…

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

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

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

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

03/05 – NETWORKS – South Korea reaches 260,000 5G users – However some alrady complain of technical and coverage issues…

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

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

29/04 – NETWORKS – China urges UK to act independently over Huawei and 5G – Chinese ambassador says Britain should resist pressure…

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

26/04 – DEVICES – Apple could be working on a 5G iPad Pro – But we won’t see it for a few more years…

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

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

23/04 – NETWORKS – EU backs WiFi over 5G for connected cars – European Commission chose WiFi as it is currently available unlike 5G…

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

17/04 – DEVICES – Huawei has no plans to supply Apple with 5G modem chips – Founder had suggested it was a possibility…

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

17/04 – DEVICES – We might see iPhone 5G in 2020 after all – 5G’s back on the menu…

17/04 – NETWORKS – Huawei agrees 40 5G contracts – Huawei sees 5G customer base grow…

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

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

12/04 – NETWORKS – O2 switches on 5G spectrum to power connected car tests – AutoAir tests connected and autonomous vehicle technology…

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

10/04 – DEVICES – Exclusive: We could see a Black Shark 5G phone before the end of the year – Embracing cloud gaming…

10/04 – DEVICES – Google Stadia may be the first good use for 5G phones – You could soon be playing AAA games on your smartphone…

10/04 – NETWORKS – Mobile industry pushes 5G as EU debates Wi-Fi standard for connected cars – GSMA says Wi-Fi is old technology…

10/04 – OPINION – 5G’s impact on the future of work – How the next generation of wireless technology will empower fontline workers…

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

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

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

05/04 – NETWORKS – Huawei 5G ban could cost UK economy £6.8bn – Report says ban would damage UK 5G leadership bid…

04/04 – DEVICES – Samsung starts mass production of 5G chips – Next-generation modem and RF receivers go into production…

03/04 – NETWORKS – 5G set to deliver £15.7bn in business revenue by 2025 – Barclays says conditions must be right…

02/04 – ANALYSIS – The future of cybersecurity in a 5G-connected world – With more endpoints comes more ways a hacker can penetrate your network…

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

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

21/03 – NETWORKS – Three increases annual revenues ahead of 5G launch – Operator says 2018 was solid foundational year…

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

13/03 – NETWORKS – Verizon to launch mobile 5G next month – Verizon set to launch first 5G mobile broadband service…

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

12/03 – NETWORKS – Germany makes private 5G spectrum available for industry – IIoT gets boost with local network pledge…

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

08/03 – ANALYSIS – 5G and a better-connected world – Turning the next generation of wireless into a reality…

07/03 – NETWORKS – Vodafone UK expands 5G launch to 19 towns and cities – More locations named ahead of commercial launch…

07/03 – NETWORKS – 15m Brits would switch to 5G now – But 5G adoption will be slower than 4G, says Deloitte…

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

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

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

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

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

27/02 – NETWORKS – Security and cost worries could harm 5G – Business and technology executives underestimate the disruptive prospects of 5G…

27/02 – NETWORKS – FC Barcelona’s Nou Camp will be ‘first’ 5G stadium – Fans to benefit from immersive 5G experiences…

26/02 – DEVICES – Sprint 5G: all the phones coming to the next-gen network – Top networks require top phones…

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

26/02 – NETWORKS – Google Fi customers will get 5G from Sprint’s network – MVNO gets 5G…

25/02 – NETWORKS – Security flaws in 4G and 5G revealed – New flaws allow attackers to intercept calls and user locations…

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

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

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

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

25/02 – DEVICES – HTC 5G home hub gets you ready for superfast internet – Get your home or office 5G-ready…

24/02 – DEVICES – Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G may be your first 5G-ready phone – One of the first 5G phones of MWC 2019…

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

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

21/02 – NETWORKS – 5G could solve major 4G congestion – Current 4G download speeds differ greatly depending on country and time of day…

21/02 – DEVICES – Gemalto makes 5G SIM card available to operators – Gemalto pitches “world-first” 5G SIM card…

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

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

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

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

19/02 – NETWORKS – Three trials cloud core 5G network with staff – Full rollout expected later in 2019…

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

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

18/02 – NETWORKS – Vodafone UK switches on first 5G airport – Manchester Airport upgraded to superfast speeds for consumers to try out 5G…

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

13/02 – NETWORKS – UK switches on first 5G factory trials – Worcestershire 5G testbed goes live…

11/02 – NETWORKS – Sprint sues AT&T over ‘5GE’ claim – Rivals clash in 5G row…

11/02 – ANALYSIS – AI, 5G and the race to completely autonomous vehicles – Now is the time to implement a data-centric architecture…

08/02 – NETWORKS – Trump anticipated to ban 5G networks from using Chinese tech – An executive order is expected to come before MWC…

07/02 – DEVICES – Vodafone trials 5G form factor device with Ericsson and Qualcomm – Operator takes step forward in 5G development…

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

05/02 – NETWORKS – Ericsson joins O-RAN to drive intelligent 5G radio development – Ericsson extends commitment to open standards…

04/02 – NETWORKS – GSMA suggests Huawei 5G talks at MWC – Industry concerned at Huawei 5G exclusion following long-term controversies…

01/02 – DEVICES – Huawei 5G foldable phone teased in MWC 2019 press conference invite – Our first look at the world’s first foldable 5G phone…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14/01 – NETWORKS – US government shutdown is threat to 5G rollout – Industry body warns about impact of FCC shutdown…

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

14/01 – DEVICES – Apple looks at Samsung and MediaTek modems for 5G iPhone – Latest revelations from Qualcomm’s antitrust trial…

12/01 – DEVICES – iPhone 11 tipped to have faster Wi-Fi, but 5G might have to wait – Better speeds for the 2019 iPhones?

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

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

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

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

08/01 – DEVICES – 5G can be tonic for smartphone saturation – GSMA Intelligence finds 80 per cent of developed world owns a smartphone…

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

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

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

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