You’ve all seen the flashy ads for 5G, but what is it, and how can it be used in your business?
5G is the 5th generation mobile network promising speeds 100x times faster than 4G with peak data rates up to 20Gbps. But, it’s not only about speed it also provides less latency, more reliability and increased network capacity.
What are the practical uses now, and what the future holds for 5G…
The Here and Now: We’re seeing companies use 5G to provide a data connection in rural areas where there is no broadband available; others are using it as a backup connection for disaster recovery or as a primary internet connection whilst waiting for their internet connection to be installed (something, we’re very familiar with).
Businesses are also providing remote workers with a 5G data connection due to their poor home broadband speeds and reliability issues.
The Future: If the 5G companies are to be believed, the possibilities are endless. Smart factories, embedded sensors, reduction in road accidents, greater realism in VR/AR and XR, and even mountain rescue are just some of the uses. There are too many to mention; check the complete list out courtesy of Ericsson.
Telcos are also betting big on 5G by building a platform based on the metaverse. Yes, the metaverse isn’t going anywhere. According to Bloomberg, telcos are trying to recoup their 5G investment by monetising the metaverse.
We also can’t forget about private 5G networks. An NTT survey of “top executives” found that 80% plan to deploy private 5G networks. Their motivation is to improve security, reliability and speed.
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Let’s get into it.
Everything you need to know about 5G
Qualcomm answer some of the pressing 5G questions raised by consumers including:
- What is 5G?
- How’s 5G different?
- Where’s 5G being used?
- How fast is 5G?
- How does 5G work?
- How do business use 5G?
Vodafone and Ericsson create UK’s first on-demand 5G network slice
Network slicing is a new service for business customers that the enablement of a standalone network.
It will enable on-demand, dedicated and secure end-to-end connectivity with guaranteed quality of service.
New laws to end mobile coverage ‘not spots’
The UK Government plans to erase mobile coverage erase mobile coverage ‘not spots’ in rural areas and roll out next-generation5G will be accelerated under new barrier-busting laws.
They are also slashing the red tape from 5G rollouts to help boost mobile coverage quicker.
5G goes stratospheric
Stratospheric Platforms has announced the ‘world’s first’ 5G mobile broadband transmission from Earth’s stratosphere.
The trial managed to project a 5G signal over a 450km2 area and achieved speeds of 90Mbps.
5G rollouts in your area
Ookla’s 5G rollout map is an insightful guide to 5G coverage available in your area.
We still advocate an actual SIM in a device to check the speed but the map is a good indicator. Scroll to see the network’s 5G coverage checkers.
Chat to your account manager if you want trial sim cards to test the network signal for O2, Vodafone or EE.
Don’t want to read about 5G, well CNET have compiled this handy video to explain how 5G works and what it delivers.
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5G mobile broadband devices
To receive 5G speeds, you’ll need 5G enabled handsets or devices and be in an area that gets a 5G connection.
We source an extensive range of 5G enabled handsets and devices from well-known manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Nokia, D-Link, Huawei, OnePlus, Lenovo, Sony and Google.
5G tariffs
You don’t need any special 5G tariffs, and the mobile tariffs we quote include 5G capabilities at no extra cost.
We offer a range of tariffs on Vodafone, EE and O2 on flexible contract terms.
Our team will work with you to analyse your usage trends and recommend a suitable tariff.
5G coverage
We partner with the three major business networks that offer 5G coverage.
They’re continually improving the 5G network and rolling out 5G to more locations.
