What is 5G
5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, designed to make mobile internet faster, smoother and more responsive than 4G. It can be especially useful for streaming, gaming, downloading large files and staying connected in busy places. To use it, you’ll need a 5G-ready phone, a plan that includes 5G and coverage in your area.
How does 5G work?
5G uses a wider range of radio frequencies than 4G to transmit data. This includes higher-frequency bands that carry much more data, at much faster speeds.
That extra capacity helps 5G handle more devices at once, so the network can feel smoother in busy places like train stations, stadiums and city centres. It can also reduce latency, which is the delay between tapping something on your phone and the network responding. This can be useful for things like gaming, where a faster response time can make a real difference.
In everyday use, the combination of speed and capacity adds up to faster downloads (large files or app updates that used to take minutes now take seconds). 5G also improves the quality of video calls with less buffering when streaming or gaming on the move.
That extra capacity helps 5G handle more devices at once, so the network can feel smoother in busy places like train stations, stadiums and city centres. It can also reduce latency, which is the delay between tapping something on your phone and the network responding. This can be useful for things like gaming, where a faster response time can make a real difference.
In everyday use, the combination of speed and capacity adds up to faster downloads (large files or app updates that used to take minutes now take seconds). 5G also improves the quality of video calls with less buffering when streaming or gaming on the move.
Is 5G safe?
Yes, 5G is considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other major health bodies.
Like previous mobile generations and Wi-Fi, 5G uses radio waves, a type of non-ionising radiation. This is different from ionising radiation (like X-rays), which carries enough energy to damage cells and DNA.
Like previous mobile generations and Wi-Fi, 5G uses radio waves, a type of non-ionising radiation. This is different from ionising radiation (like X-rays), which carries enough energy to damage cells and DNA.
5G vs 4G: What's the difference?
While both 4G and 5G allow you to browse, stream and stay connected on the move, 5G is designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and better performance when more devices are connected. Here's how they compare:
● Download speeds: 4G typically delivers average download speeds of around 20-60 Mbps, while 5G can reach 80-200+ Mbps, making it quicker to download apps, stream high-quality video and transfer large files.
● Response times (latency): 4G networks generally have latency of around 30-50 milliseconds, whereas 5G can reduce this to 10-30 milliseconds. Lower latency can make activities like online gaming, video calls and cloud-based applications feel more responsive.
● Network capacity: 4G supports a moderate number of connected devices, but 5G is built to handle many more devices at the same time. This can help maintain a smoother experience in busy locations such as stadiums, city centres, and transport hubs.
● Streaming and entertainment: 4G is well suited to browsing, social media, music streaming, HD video and everyday mobile use. 5G is better equipped for data-intensive activities such as 4K and 8K streaming, high-quality video calls and uninterrupted entertainment on the move.
● Gaming performance: While both networks support online gaming, 5G's faster speeds and lower latency can provide smoother gameplay, quicker downloads and faster response times in supported games.
● Connected technology: 4G works well for smartphones and tablets, while 5G is designed to support a growing number of connected devices, including smart home technology, wearables and other internet-connected devices.
Overall, 5G is designed to make mobile internet faster, more responsive, and more reliable than 4G, particularly for streaming, gaming, downloading large files and staying connected in busy areas.
However, the experience you get will still depend on your device, plan and coverage in your location
● Download speeds: 4G typically delivers average download speeds of around 20-60 Mbps, while 5G can reach 80-200+ Mbps, making it quicker to download apps, stream high-quality video and transfer large files.
● Response times (latency): 4G networks generally have latency of around 30-50 milliseconds, whereas 5G can reduce this to 10-30 milliseconds. Lower latency can make activities like online gaming, video calls and cloud-based applications feel more responsive.
● Network capacity: 4G supports a moderate number of connected devices, but 5G is built to handle many more devices at the same time. This can help maintain a smoother experience in busy locations such as stadiums, city centres, and transport hubs.
● Streaming and entertainment: 4G is well suited to browsing, social media, music streaming, HD video and everyday mobile use. 5G is better equipped for data-intensive activities such as 4K and 8K streaming, high-quality video calls and uninterrupted entertainment on the move.
● Gaming performance: While both networks support online gaming, 5G's faster speeds and lower latency can provide smoother gameplay, quicker downloads and faster response times in supported games.
● Connected technology: 4G works well for smartphones and tablets, while 5G is designed to support a growing number of connected devices, including smart home technology, wearables and other internet-connected devices.
Overall, 5G is designed to make mobile internet faster, more responsive, and more reliable than 4G, particularly for streaming, gaming, downloading large files and staying connected in busy areas.
However, the experience you get will still depend on your device, plan and coverage in your location
Do you need 5G?
You don’t necessarily need 5G for your phone to work, but it can be worth having if you use mobile data often. If you stream video, download large files, play games online, or regularly use your phone in busy areas, 5G can make your connection faster and smoother.
If you mainly use Wi-Fi or broadband at home, or only use mobile data for browsing, messaging, and social media, 4G may be enough. The main things to check are whether your phone supports 5G, whether your plan includes it, and whether 5G coverage is available where you live or work.
You can use Sky Mobile’s coverage checker to see what’s available in your area.
If you mainly use Wi-Fi or broadband at home, or only use mobile data for browsing, messaging, and social media, 4G may be enough. The main things to check are whether your phone supports 5G, whether your plan includes it, and whether 5G coverage is available where you live or work.
You can use Sky Mobile’s coverage checker to see what’s available in your area.
Get 5G ready with Sky Mobile
If you’re ready to get more from your mobile data, Sky Mobile has a range of 5G-ready phones and flexible plans to choose from.
Explore Sky Mobile plans to find the right option for how you browse, stream and stay connected.
Explore Sky Mobile plans to find the right option for how you browse, stream and stay connected.