What is 5G Home Broadband?
As 5G is rolled out across the UK and available on more mobile phone networks, will it replace fixed broadband in our homes and offices?
What is 5G home broadband?
The term 5G home broadband effectively means broadband running from a mobile network, rather than a fixed broadband connection.
A 5G broadband device would be a Wi-Fi hub (or Mi-Fi) that generates a signal that other devices – such as your laptop, tablet or smartphone – can connect to in the same way they would to a standard fixed broadband router.
What is 5G?
It's a way to get us connected faster. 5G stands for fifth-generation technology. 3G helped turn your mobile phone into a smartphone, while 4G enabled faster browsing and richer media. 5G – which stands for fifth-generation technology – takes speed and connectivity to the next level.
5G networks use the same airwaves as 4G, but while 4G has average download speeds of 20Mbps in the UK, 5G speeds could be 20 times faster at 400Mbps, and have the potential to reach 20Gbps.
With speeds that rival and even surpass the fastest full-fibre broadband connections, 5G has the potential to be a gamechanger and end our reliance on the current broadband infrastructure. Read our guide to 5G here.
How does 5G broadband work?
5G broadband is effectively a wireless alternative to fixed broadband. It means you can access high-speed broadband without the need for a phone line or fibre-optic cable.
Instead, you have a 5G broadband hub that generates the Wi-Fi signal. Any connecting devices, such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet, just need to log-on to the Wi-Fi as normal, they do not need to be 5G-enabled.
The pay monthly contracts are similar to standard broadband deals. You will be sent a router and a SIM. Just plug in and you’re away.
Can 5G be used for home Internet?
Yes. However, 5G is gradually being rolled out in the UK and is not available everywhere - as of April 2023, approximately 77% of the population has access to basic 5G from one provider.1
More densely populated urban areas such as towns and cities will benefit from 5G first, with most of the country expected to have it by 2022.
Networks such as Three, Vodafone and O2 now provide 5G, but you should check if it’s available in your area first.
What are the pros and cons of 5G broadband?
Advantages
Super-fast connection. 5G promises to rival and even surpass fixed fibre optic broadband for speed
A mobile solution. Unlike fixed broadband, you don’t have to be stuck at one address with a 5G broadband hub
Battery-powered. Some mobile broadband routers can also be run on batteries, meaning you don’t even need a mains power source
More consistent performance. An issue with fixed broadband in the UK is that the high speeds advertised to customers aren’t always realised. This is often due to the final piece of wiring to the property from the exchange. 5G should negate this
Disadvantages
Lack of coverage: 5G is still being rolled out, so it may not be available in your area just yet. Those living in rural areas may have a particularly long wait for 5G, as at the end of 2023, just 10% of 'agricultural areas' can access 5G coverage.2
Obstructions: There are concerns the 5G frequency is interrupted by physical obstructions such as walls and buildings. This could mean a patchy reception in the home
Is 5G faster than fibre optic?
5G is expected to be on par with those of the current top-end fixed broadband speeds, with the ability to reach 1,000Mbps and beyond. Average 5G download speeds are excellent, too, ranging between 75Mbps-238Mbps – that's as fast as most fibre optic broadband connections.
According to Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK is getting better-than-ever access to both ultrafast full fibre broadband and 5G mobile coverage. The report states that 82% of UK premises are able to get 5G signal outdoors, while 73% of UK homes are able to get gigabit-capable broadband.
Is 5G broadband available everywhere?
No, not yet – at the time of writing, it's not quite as widely available as 4G. It's gradually being rolled out across the UK, though, and is largely available in more urban areas, such as towns and cities.
How do I know if I have 5G in my area?
Search online for 5G in your area. You’ll need to punch in your postcode to see coverage. You can also check the website of your network provider to see if it is available where you live.
What are my other options for home broadband?
If you’re looking for a fast home broadband connection, there are plenty of deals for entry-level fixed broadband connections, right the way through to full-fibre and gigabit-capable connections.
As well as deciding what speed you need and the length of contract, you can select whether you want phone calls bundled with your broadband, or add-ons such as TV packages and streaming.
Compare home broadband deals
The easiest way to compare home broadband deals is with MoneySuperMarket.
All you need to do is tell us your postcode and we’ll search our panel of leading providers in your area to find the best value deals.
You can toggle between options, including different speeds and contract lengths, as well as use filters to find a deal that's right for you.
Sources and methodology
1New investment boosts UK's digital connectivity (Gov.co.uk)
2Statista: Coverage achieved by 3.5GHz (5G) deployment in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023 and 2025.
Author
Staff Writer
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