What is 5G Broadband and how does it work?

How does 5G Broadband work?

5G Broadband uses our 5G network to keep you connected to the internet at home. Instead of having a traditional router that relies on copper or fibre wires, we'll give you a 5G Hub that acts as both an antenna for the 5G signal in your area, and as a router to give you WiFi in your home.

All you need to do is plug in your 5G Hub, insert the SIM card, then the router will act as a bridge between our 5G network and the devices in your home.

For help on installing your 5G Broadband, see our guide on setting up your 5G Broadband

Is 5G Broadband reliable?

Yes, 5G Broadband is a reliable broadband connection and suitable for activities like working from home, streaming, scrolling, and gaming. Its performance depends on factors such as signal strength in your area and how many people are using the local network.

Before you buy a 5G Broadband plan, we check the coverage and speeds available at your address. We only offer 5G Broadband if we're confident we can deliver on our speed promise. That said, 5G Broadband's wireless nature means that speeds can fluctuate and, at times, may be lower than the maximum speed.

How is 5G Broadband different from traditional broadband?

The main difference between 5G Broadband and traditional broadband is how they connect your home to the internet. While traditional broadband uses copper and fibre cables to connect, 5G Broadband is wireless and uses our 5G network to connect the devices in your home to the internet. This means there's no need for an engineer to install 5G Broadband. You can self-install your 5G Hub and get your devices online the same day.

Unlike traditional broadband, 5G Broadband doesn't come with a landline. It also doesn't have to come with a long contract - you can opt for a rolling monthly plan.

Is 5G Broadband like Mobile Broadband?

Although 5G Broadband and Mobile Broadband both rely on the 5G or 4G network, they serve different purposes.

Mobile broadband options, like dongles and hotspots, are portable and designed to keep you connected on-the-go. Your connection to the 4G or 5G network and your download speeds will vary as you move around.

5G Broadband isn't portable - it's designed to keep your home connected. We check your postcode has suitable 5G coverage and speeds before you buy 5G Broadband, so you can expect a reliable connection.

Who would benefit from 5G Broadband?

5G Broadband can be a great option if your household needs a highly flexible and simple WiFi solution, particularly if you're planning to move soon. You just need to make sure you're in one of our 5G Broadband areas using our postcode checker

If you want our fastest speeds of up to 2.2 Gigabits per second and the most stable connection, you may want to consider Pro Broadband instead.

5G Broadband for renters and students

The indoor 5G Hub is perfect for renters, students, and anyone in short-term accommodation. With no upfront cost and the option of a 30-day rolling contract, it's an affordable choice that gives you the flexibility to move with a month's notice and avoid any exit fees. For renters with the 5G Hub, you also don't need to worry about an engineer drilling holes in the wall to install wires.

5G Broadband for gamers

5G Broadband can be a good option for gamers, depending on the type of gaming you do. For casual and solo gaming, 5G Broadband can deliver a good experience with relatively competitive ping rates - how long it takes, in milliseconds, for the system to respond to your action - compared to many standard home broadband plans.

Keep in mind that your connection and speeds will impact ping rates. Lower ping rates mean quicker reactions on screen, which can be important in fast-paced or competitive games. Because 5G Broadband is wireless, ping rates can be less stable than with fibre broadband. During busy periods, network congestion slows down the connection. This can cause spikes in ping rates and lagging responsiveness that may interrupt fast-paced gameplay. Therefore, for competitive or online multiplayer gaming, Full Fibre Pro Broadband is usually a better choice. It can offer a smoother, more consistent experience with low and stable ping rates. For more information on this, read about broadband for gaming

5G Broadband for remote workers

5G Broadband can be a strong option if you work from home. Its quick setup means you can be online within minutes, making it a practical choice if you're moving or switching broadband and need to get working straight away.

With download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, it can comfortably support video calls, collaborative documents, and cloud-based tools. Performance can vary occasionally due to network conditions, however, which may impact more demanding tasks like large file uploads or using collaborative tools while presenting on video calls.

5G Broadband for rural homes

If you live in a rural area with 5G network coverage, 5G Broadband could be a great way to connect your home (particularly if you don't have access to fibre technology). However, while the network is rapidly expanding, 5G capacity is still limited in some areas. So, we only offer 5G Broadband if your coverage is good enough to support a reliable service.