Compare 5G Home Broadband Deals

What is 5G home broadband?

5G home broadband uses 5G mobile networks to provide internet to your home. It delivers faster speeds than some traditional broadband packages without the need for fibre optic cables to your home.

Instead, 5G home broadband uses a SIM card to connect to a 5G network, then creates a Wi-Fi signal for all devices in your home. So, it doesn’t require an engineer visit and is quick and easy to set up without a landline. And it should be able to handle streaming, browsing and video calling, without buffering or slowing down.

Having said that, you can get faster speeds with full fibre broadband. But if you can’t get full fibre at your address, 5G broadband could be a suitably speedy alternative.

Key features of 5G:

5G home broadband differs from traditional broadband in several ways, including:

• Convenience – it’s more convenient than fixed-line broadband because there’s no need for a landline or engineer visit
• Higher-Latency – 5G has slightly higher network response times than full fibre. So, a full fibre connection may be better suited to real-time internet applications like high-quality streaming and online gaming
• Fast Speeds – 5G is faster when compared with 4G broadband and standard fibre connections. Speeds typically range between 100 Mbps and up to 150 Mbps, so you’re still more likely to find faster speeds with full fibre depending on your location
• Coverage – 5G can provide a reliable connection for those living in built-up urban areas where coverage by 5G towers is consistent. For rural areas or those with patchy signal, full fibre broadband can provide a more stable connection. Quickline is a specialist broadband provider for those in remote areas

How does 5G home broadband work?

5G home broadband uses fifth-generation mobile network technology to deliver internet to your home.

You just need to plug a 5G SIM card into your Wi-Fi router and all your devices can connect to this.

This is made possible through:

• Radio Waves – Compared to previous generations, 5G uses a higher frequency of radio waves, which creates faster data transmission and lower latency
• 5G Cell Towers – Local 5G cell towers send data directly to your router
• Router – Your wireless router then converts that 5G signal into a Wi-Fi connection for your devices

Is 5G home broadband worth getting?

5G home broadband can be worth it if you value speed and convenience, as you simply plug a SIM card into your router without the need for an engineer.

The ‘plug and play’ nature of 5G broadband can make it especially handy for renters, as there’s no need to install any cables at the property.

5G broadband can also reach fast speeds that can be comparable with some fibre broadband packages. We help you compare 5G broadband speeds up to 200 Mbps, which can comfortably handle streaming, work and browsing.

That said, you could get a more reliable connection and more consistent speeds with a fibre connection. This is because 5G relies on signals and its performance can be impacted by demand. But it can be a great alternative if you can’t access full fibre deals where you live or you’re in temporary accommodation.

Is 5G in my area?

Ofcom estimates that 65% of the UK has access to 5G from at least one operator. Find out if 5G is an option for your household by putting your postcode into Ofcom’s helpful checker.

That said, while 5G coverage is improving, it can still be patchy beyond cities and urban areas. And if you live in an area that doesn’t get a reliable and stable connection, 5G home broadband won’t work properly.

How fast is 5G broadband?

5G home broadband can reach speeds of 100 to 150 Mbps. This can be a lot faster than the broadband packages available in rural areas.

And of course, it’s a lot faster than 4G broadband. With 4G, the average speed is around 30 to 80 Mbps. Not only can 4G be slow, the service can also be unreliable and unresponsive at times.

How reliable is 5G broadband?

Given its speed, you can rely on 5G for high-intensity tasks, making it a great option for home broadband.

That said, while 5G home broadband is reliable, you need to be aware that the connection is not always as consistent as fibre broadband.

This is because the 5G signal is weaker than an uninterrupted cable connection and can be obstructed by large objects. Be sure to bear this in mind when you’re making a choice about which kind of broadband to go for.

How easy is 5G home broadband to install?

One of the big benefits of 5G home broadband is that it’s super easy to install. You don’t need a landline or an engineer. All you need to do is plug in the 5G broadband hub sent to you by post and you should be good to go. It’s a simple case of plug and play.

Simply plug your SIM card into your 5G home broadband router and plug the router to the mains. Most routers are pretty easy to set up. Just follow the instructions and enter the password.

The SIM card may come pre-installed or you might need to insert one into the 5G broadband hub yourself.

Finally, place your router in a place where it can get the best 5G signal.

5G home broadband vs fibre broadband

So, how does 5G home broadband stack up against fibre broadband?

5G home broadband	Fibre broadband
Easy installation	Reliable connection
Fast speeds	Consistent speeds
Performance depends on signal	Needs engineer installation
Speeds can slow at peak times	Requires a cable to the home

5G home broadband FAQs

Do I need a landline for 5G home broadband?

No, you don’t need to have a landline to connect to 5G home broadband. You just need to be in an area covered by a 5G network. Once you’ve signed up to a provider, simply plug in the 5G broadband hub sent to you by post.

Will I need a 5G mobile contract?

No, you can get lightning-fast broadband speeds from home with 5G internet without having a 5G mobile contract. But you will need to have access to 5G coverage where you live

Which providers offer 5G home broadband?

The main providers of 5G home broadband are EE, Three and Vodafone. BT and Sky also offer 5G home broadband through the EE network and National Broadband also offers the service through EE, Three and Vodafone networks.

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Page last updated: 9 January 2025