5G Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about 5G in the UK — speeds, coverage, phones, plans, and safety.
🔧 General 5G Questions
What is 5G and how is it different from 4G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, succeeding 4G LTE. It brings three major improvements:
- Speed: Peak download speeds of 1-10 Gbps vs 100 Mbps on 4G. Real-world speeds are typically 50-300 Mbps.
- Latency: As low as 1 millisecond vs 30-50ms on 4G — crucial for gaming and real-time applications.
- Capacity: Supports up to 1 million devices per square kilometre, eliminating congestion in crowded areas.
For day-to-day use, this means instant video streaming, buffer-free 4K, smoother video calls, and faster downloads of large files. See our 5G vs 4G real-world speed comparison for actual test results.
Do I need a 5G phone to use 5G?
Yes — 5G requires a 5G-compatible device. The 5G modem is a hardware component, not something you can add via software update. Most phones released from 2020 onwards support 5G. Popular 5G phones include:
- iPhone: iPhone 12 and newer (all models)
- Samsung Galaxy: S20 series and newer, A52s 5G and newer, Z Flip/3 and newer
- Google Pixel: Pixel 5 and newer
- OnePlus: OnePlus 8 and newer
- Budget: Most phones over £150 from 2023 onwards include 5G
Check our 5G phone comparison tool to see which models support 5G.
Is 5G safe?
Yes, 5G is safe. Multiple independent health authorities worldwide have concluded that 5G poses no health risk when operating within international guidelines:
- World Health Organisation (WHO) — no adverse health effects established
- Public Health England — exposure well within safe limits
- Ofcom — UK 5G emissions are a small fraction of international safety levels
- ICNIRP — 2020 guidelines confirm 5G safety
5G uses non-ionising radio waves, which do not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or damage DNA. Read our article on 5G myths debunked for more detail.
📶 Coverage & Networks
Which UK network has the best 5G coverage?
As of mid-2026, the rankings are:
- EE — Fastest average 5G speeds, >70% UK population coverage
- Three — Most 5G spectrum, excellent urban coverage, best for unlimited data
- Vodafone — Strong coverage in cities and towns, reliable speeds
- O2 — Good coverage, O2 Priority perks, slower rollout in rural areas
Coverage varies significantly by location. Use these official coverage checkers before choosing:
For a speed-by-speed breakdown, read our full UK 5G network comparison.
Will 5G work in rural areas?
5G rural coverage is improving but still limited compared to cities. The UK government's Shared Rural Network programme aims to bring 4G to 95% of the UK by 2025, with 5G expansion ongoing. EE and Three currently have the best rural 5G coverage. In very remote areas, 4G remains the primary connection — and that's fine for most uses. Use a coverage checker for your specific postcode.
💷 Plans, SIMs & Pricing
Can I keep my current phone number with a 5G plan?
Yes. To switch networks and keep your number:
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current SIM
- You'll receive your PAC code within 60 seconds (free, 24/7)
- Give the PAC to your new provider when signing up
- Your number transfers within 1 working day — usually the next morning
Your old contract ends automatically when the transfer completes (early termination fees may apply if you're still in contract).
What's the cheapest way to get 5G?
The most affordable routes:
- SIM-only 5G: From £12/month with O2 (50GB), £15/month with Vodafone (100GB)
- Budget 5G phone + cheap SIM: Buy a phone like the Nothing Phone (3) for ~£300 upfront, pair with a £12–15 SIM-only deal
- MVNOs: Smaller virtual operators like Smarty (Three's network), Voxi (Vodafone), and giffgaff (O2) offer cheaper 5G plans than the main networks
- Cashback deals: Sites like TopCashback and Quidco offer £30-£100 cashback on phone contracts
See our guide to best SIM-only 5G deals for current offers.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?
In most cases, no. Your existing SIM works for 5G as long as your plan and phone support it. Some very old SIMs (pre-2018) may need replacing — your network will tell you if that's the case. All four major UK networks support 5G on existing SIMs.