A guide to 5G: what it is and how to make the most of it

Most people in the UK will currently be enjoying the use of 4G networks every day, but there are exciting plans on the horizon to bring the nation’s connectivity up to speed, with the development of 5G networks. 5G will offer improved download speeds and a more reliable connection for smartphones and other devices in the UK.

5G is expected to launch worldwide in the next couple of years, with 2020 being the year most people are pinning their sights on. The GSMA has claimed that the speedier network could account for a jaw dropping 1.2 billion connections, and cover a third of the world’s population within seven years.

So, what does it mean for the everyday user?

Experts predict that 5G is going to revolutionise the way the world thinks, works and consumes. The new network will affect almost all aspects of communities, but the general public will probably notice a couple of things first, with the improvement of handset device functions, such as:

• Improved quality when using video or voice calls
• Speedier uploads and downloads
• More dependable internet connections
• Higher quality picture when streaming online content

In a nutshell, the introduction of 5G networks will basically mean that everything is a little bit slicker, quicker and more reliable. Although the technology is still in the development stages, average download speeds are rumoured to be around 1GBps. Meaning, for example, that users would be able to download an HD movie in a matter of moments.

When will we start to see the effects of 5G?

Slowly but surely, the technology is being developed to support 5G networks and make the most of all its capacities. Connectivity will become increasingly adaptable, with increased performance making technology more fluid, enjoyable and user friendly.

As well as being able to stream the latest films and download to your heart’s content, 5G will have some more practical and influential benefits, like the suggestion that it could help hospitals with remote-assisted surgery, and develop cities into smart hubs of connected devices, homes and public spaces.

Smaller – but just as important - benefits that 5G could potentially bring are things like being able to fly a drone out of the pilot’s eye sight (which you’re currently forbidden to do under UK law), because the connection will be a lot more reliable with 5G and less likely to drop out of range.

Most tech businesses are well ahead of the game when it comes to preparing for 5G, with Huawei announcing that their next two handset releases will support superior networks and could even deliver the full benefits of a 5G network. It’s also likely that new handsets will incorporate interactive features that rely heavily on the 5G connection and make the most of its speed.

Being able to download everything you need in a matter of seconds may be exactly what you’re looking for in your handset, but make sure that you protect your phone and its contents with one of our award-winning phone insurance policies.