What is 5G and how does it work? Everything you need to know.

• 1G – first generation. Developed in the 1970s–80s in Tokyo. At this stage, mobile signals are analogue, with voice calls only.

• 2G – second generation. This followed in the 1990s. At this stage mobile signals are digital, and SMS texting has developed, along with basic internet services.

• 3G – third generation. 3G networks started to go live in 2002, meaning faster web browsing, GPS and video calling.

• 4G – fourth generation. 4G’s launch offers much faster data usage, with HD streaming, video conferencing and mobile gaming.

• 5G – fifth generation. From 2019 until present, the introduction of 5G has meant ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and better device connectivity.

Each generation has represented a new step in what mobile technology can do and 5G is no different. Forecasts suggest 5G-enabled smartphones will account for 93% of the market by 2025.

Check what our 5G coverage is like in your area.

5G delivers significantly faster speeds than previous mobile generations, with average download speeds reaching 80-210Mbps and peak speeds reported at over 916.8 Mbps. Real-world testing has demonstrated the performance benefits of 5G: at Manchester Airport, a single episode of 'Tin Star' was downloaded in 45 seconds, while the entire second season took just over six minutes – around four times faster than the equivalent download over 4G.

Though current performance is impressive, the technology is designed to go much further. Industry estimates place 5G’s theoretical maximum download speeds between a whopping 10Gbps and 50Gbps – potentially allowing an HD film to be downloaded in less than a second under the right conditions.

Beyond speed, 5G is built using a more flexible, software-based network architecture. This means it can support many more devices and data traffic than previous generations and enable new applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), immersive media experiences, cloud gaming and smart infrastructure.

Mobile networks use radio waves of various frequencies to communicate between the mast and your device. In the UK today, 5G networks primarily operate on a spectrum between low-band, mid-band and high-band frequencies – it’s these mid and high-bands that unlock the speeds of 5G. Different frequencies have different strengths:

• Low-band frequencies (below 1GHz), such as 700MHz, are known as the coverage layer. They provide 5G coverage over a wide area as they can travel long distances and penetrate buildings more effectively, making them ideal for indoor and rural coverage.

• Mid-band frequencies (1GHz-6GHz), including 3.4GHz and 3.6-4GHz, form the backbone of current 5G networks. They offer a balance of broad coverage and faster speeds than previous mobile technologies.

• High-band frequencies (24.25GHz-86GHz), known as millimetre wave (mmWave), are completely new for 5G. They can deliver extremely fast speeds and high capacity but work best over shorter distances. These frequencies are expected to be used in high-density locations such as stadiums, airports and transport hubs.

As a comparison, UK 4G networks typically use frequencies between 800MHz and 2.6GHz, while many current UK 5G services operate in the 3.4GHz–3.8GHz range. By combining low, mid, and high-band spectrum, 5G networks can provide reliable coverage while supporting faster speeds and greater capacity.

When it comes to 5G technology, there’s a lot of jargon and technical language involved. You might have seen some of the following acronyms floating around when 5G is being spoken about – if you found them confusing, you’re not alone. Essentially, they describe the network building blocks that enable 5G to work. Let’s break it down into two sections:

First, the 5G signal needs to reach your device:

• RAN (Radio Access Network) is the network of masts and antennas that connect your phone to the mobile network.

• MIMO and beamforming are technologies used within the RAN to improve speed, capacity and signal quality:

  • Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) is an antenna technology that uses multiple antennas to send and receive data simultaneously, effectively adding more ‘lanes’ for data traffic.

  • Beamforming is a technique that directs radio signals towards directly towards devices instead of broadcasting them in all directions.
    

Second, the 5G signal also needs to be managed:

• The 5G Core is the software-based ‘brain’ of the network that manages connections, security and data traffic. It’s cloud based and designed to support automation and new 5G services.

• NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) describe how the RAN connects to this network core:

  • In 5G NSA, the 5G RAN works alongside an existing 4G core network.

  • In 5G SA, also known as 5G+, the 5G RAN connects to a new dedicated 5G Core.

Most smartphones released in recent years support 5G. Every iPhone since iPhone 12 has included 5G connectivity, and most major Android manufacturers now offer 5G across a wide range of devices, from premium flagship models to more affordable handsets.

To use 5G you'll need:

• A 5G-compatible smartphone

• A 5G-enabled SIM plan - check out our SIM only deals

• Access to a 5G coverage area

If you have all three, your phone should automatically connect to 5G when it's available.

Yes. Many operators now offer 5G roaming in selected countries. If you’re with us at Vodafone, you can enjoy 5G at home as well as abroad, with 70+ destinations live around the globe. Find out more about roaming with Vodafone

5G+, also known as 5G Standalone’ (5G SA) refers to an upgraded 5G network that uses a dedicated 5G core rather than relying on existing 4G infrastructure. With 5G+, you can enjoy greater coverage and faster speeds – even in congested areas – and improved phone battery life. To experience 5G+ you’ll need to be in a 5G+ coverage area, on an eligible plan, with a 5G+ enabled phone. Find out more about 5G+ on Vodafone

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR)

5G reduces lag and delivers data more quickly between your device and the network, which means it can support immersive digital experiences like virtual reality gaming, augmented reality navigation and smart glasses that provide real-time information overlays.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Fixed Wireless Access, also known as 5G Broadband, can deliver broadband over the mobile network, providing a great alternative to traditional fixed-line and fibre broadband services. This can help connect homes and businesses in areas where fibre broadband is unavailable or difficult to install. Learn more about our 5G Broadband plans

Smart homes, cities and the Internet of Things (IoT)

5G can support more connected devices than previous generations. This makes it well suited to the Internet of Things (IoT), where devices, sensors and machines communicate with each other in real time. This is great for smart home devices and appliances, connected wearables like smartwatches, smart traffic management systems, and intelligent energy and utility networks.

Healthcare and remote care

The low latency and reliability of 5G could support a range of healthcare applications, from real-time patient monitoring and connected medical devices, to assisted remote surgery using robotic technology.

The speed and responsiveness of 5G can also help drones and emergency responders exchange information more effectively, supporting faster decision-making during critical situations like search and rescue operations, and disaster response coordination.

Immersive communication

Future 5G capabilities could enable entirely new forms of communication, including live holographic calls – like we conducted in 2018.

The UK’s first live holographic call using 5G:

No. There has been lots of misinformation surrounding 5G on social media, but peer-reviewed studies from organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other public health bodies have found no evidence that 5G poses a risk to human health when operating within established safety guidelines.

Like 3G, 4G, WiFi and radio broadcasts, 5G uses non-ionising radio waves – these waves do not have enough energy to damage cells or DNA. Cell and DNA damage come from ionising waves, like X-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet (UV) light – which is why you shouldn’t spend too much time in the sun without UV protection.

Some concerns have focused on millimetre wave (mmWave) 5G, which uses a higher-frequency spectrum than most current UK 5G networks. While mmWave operates at higher frequencies, it still uses non-ionising radiation and is subject to the same international safety standards as other mobile technologies.

In the UK, mobile networks must comply with exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are designed to protect public health.

For more information, see our guide to 5G and health: Everything you need to know