The recent call to arms from the Government to work from home has sent millions of people setting up makeshift offices throughout the UK. Through digital technologies and devices, the transition has been relatively painless, especially if you are in a major conurbation where networks routinely offer stable fibre connections and solid 4G connections.
Sadly, not everyone in the UK has access to reliably fast connections or indeed anything over a “one bar” mobile connection which means your crucial client meeting or Zoom family quiz is still very much “subject to availability”.
There is however some very good news for sufferers of “buffer-face” or the “wheel of eternal doom”, and that is the rollout of 5G Broadband, coming 10 years after the rollout of 4G, promising speeds in excess of even wired connections.
In real terms, this game-changing technology will allow you to stream 8K video directly to your phone, download a full movie in seconds and engage in latency-free multiplayer gaming (literally, a game-changer!).
Now, more than ever, fast, reliable and consistent connectivity is playing a vital role in human interactivity and business productivity, so here is our guide to 5G and why it could be your next home and company game-changer.
What exactly is 5G?
5G is the next generation of internet connectivity. 4G had a maximum download speed of 300Mbps whereas 5G is expected to achieve download speeds of 10Gbps – that’s 100 times faster than 4G and 2000 times faster than 3G.
5G speeds are likely to exceed those of modern-day fibre connections, which translates into fast, reliable connections both in and out of the home or office.
When will 5G be available in the UK?
5G is currently available in selected locations; it has now been launched in 71 large towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom. Services are provided by the main mobile providers with further rollout expected to continue aggressively throughout 2020/2021. EE are currently aiming for full UK coverage by 2022.
Locations where 5G has rolled out or will be rolling out in 2020 include:
- London, England
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Birmingham, England
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Manchester, England
- Cardiff, Wales
- Bristol, England
- Coventry, England
- Leicester, England
If you need further information about availability in your area, call our expert team.
It is anticipated that the rollout of 5G will inspire and accelerate the advancement of emerging technologies such as self-driving cars, augmented reality software and the famed “IoT” (the Internet of Things) devices that “speak” to each other providing services that anticipate need, make us more efficient and even save lives.
Will 5G replace my current fixed-line broadband?
According to TechRadar the answer for the moment is no, it will act as a “companion to fixed-line broadband” but in time it is anticipated that it will “eventually become the de facto connection for both your mobile phone and home broadband.”
In short, 5G is the connection you will have wherever you are – at home and at work.
How do businesses benefit from 5G?
Whilst 5G will improve home connectivity, its true potential lies in how it can improve business communications across all industries.
Increased mobility
5G is a genuine “always-on” technology – essentially you take your connection with you. No more dropouts whilst moving from WiFi to Mobile data. With our unlimited data bundles for business mobiles, you can ensure your team is able to stay connected no matter where they are, even when working from home.
Better communications
With increased speed comes increased stability. In today’s hyper-connected world where video conferencing has become standard in both businesses and homes, 5G now offers genuine opportunities to work smarter and play harder.
Improved productivity
Consider the effect of increased levels of speed, capacity and reliability for your business. Collaborative working in real-time over rock-solid connections is the dream of most business owners who are looking to increase efficiency and drive bottom-line profit.
What’s the latest on 5G phones?
Major manufacturers are ramping up 5G compatible phones and mobile devices. Major players including Samsung, Oppo, LG, Huawei and Xiaomi all feature highly in reviews with some stunning models being released on a regular basis.
There is little doubt that the rollout of 5G across the UK will signify another sea change in how we view and respond to the world. Increased connection speeds bring a fresh perspective on working from home or remote locations allowing greater flexibility and is, ultimately, kinder to the planet, which is possibly the real game-changer for all of us.
Is 5G right for your business?
5G will improve the productivity and competitiveness of nearly every business in the UK and there is an opportunity to capture the benefits before it becomes mainstream and to get ahead of your competitors.
Our expert team can advise you on the best way to incorporate 5G into your business across multiple locations and internationally, whether you are a charity or a financial firm, or even a start-up.
To explore ways that 5G could be a game-changer for your business call our expert team.