Best 5G Network UK: Complete Guide to Coverage & Speeds 2024

Table of Contents

• 5G Network Coverage in the UK: Current State
• Best 5G Network Speeds: Provider Comparison
• 5G Home Internet and Mobile Plans
• Urban vs Rural 5G Coverage Analysis
• Future of 5G Networks in the UK

5G Network Coverage in the UK: Current State

The UK’s 5G network landscape has evolved significantly in 2024, with major providers expanding their coverage and improving network performance across the country. Currently, the four main network operators – EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 – are actively competing to provide the best 5G coverage and speeds.

EE leads the market with 5G coverage in 160 towns and cities across the UK, while maintaining an impressive 99% population coverage through their combined 3G and 4G networks. Their network has demonstrated exceptional performance metrics, particularly in London, with a 5G registration rate of 92% and service reliability of 99.6%.

Current Coverage by Provider

• EE: 160 towns and cities
• Vodafone: 128 towns and cities
• O2: Over 150 towns and cities
• Three: Extensive coverage in major cities with 99.8% outdoor population coverage

Three has emerged as a strong competitor in the 5G space, particularly in terms of network speed. According to recent benchmarks, Three achieved a Speed Score™ of 224.60 Mbps, with median download speeds of 255.23 Mbps, making it the fastest 5G network in the UK for the first half of 2024.

Network Reliability and Performance

• Network stability across major cities
• Consistent service in high-traffic areas
• Enhanced coverage at transportation hubs
• Improved indoor signal strength

Vodafone has shown significant progress in their 5G rollout, with speeds ranging from 150 to 200 Mbps and reaching up to 1 Gbps in some areas. Their coverage strategy focuses on providing reliable service in busy areas such as station platforms, stadiums, and festivals, with a comprehensive coverage map available for customers to check availability in their area.

As the networks continue to expand, the focus has shifted from simply providing coverage to ensuring consistent performance and reliability across different environments. This includes addressing specific challenges such as indoor coverage and maintaining stable connections in high-density areas.

Best 5G network speeds: provider comparison

When comparing the top 5G network providers in the UK, significant differences emerge in terms of speed, reliability, and overall performance. Let’s examine how each major provider stacks up against the competition in 2024.

Three: leading the speed race

Three has established itself as the fastest 5G network provider in the UK, with impressive performance metrics. According to recent benchmarks, Three achieved a Speed Score™ of 224.60 Mbps and median download speeds of 255.23 Mbps in early 2024. The network also excels in upload speeds, reaching 14.47 Mbps with a remarkably low latency of 29 ms, making it ideal for real-time applications and gaming. Recent speed tests confirm Three’s position as the speed leader among UK providers.

EE: reliability champion

EE stands out for its exceptional reliability and consistent performance across the UK. The network demonstrates:

• 92% 5G registration rate
• 99.6% service reliability
• Superior performance in web browsing and gaming
• Exceptional video streaming capabilities

While EE may not hold the top spot for raw speed, its consistent performance and widespread coverage make it a strong contender for users prioritizing reliability over maximum speeds.

Vodafone: consistent performer

Vodafone has shown significant improvements in its 5G network performance, particularly in urban areas. Their network delivers average speeds between 150-200 Mbps, with peaks reaching up to 1 Gbps in optimal conditions. The provider has demonstrated particularly strong performance in busy locations such as:

• Station platforms
• Sports stadiums
• Festival grounds
• City centres

O2: strong all-rounder

O2’s 5G network has established itself as a reliable option, particularly excelling in:

• Video streaming services
• Social media performance
• DNS resolution reliability (92% DNS score)

While O2’s raw speed metrics may not match Three’s impressive figures, their network offers consistent performance and reliable connectivity across their coverage areas. Coverage mapping shows strong presence in over 150 towns and cities throughout the UK.

5G home internet and mobile plans

When it comes to 5G connectivity in the UK, providers offer various plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best value options available in 2024.

Individual mobile plans

For individual consumers, several competitive options stand out in the market. iD Mobile, operating on Three’s network, offers one of the most affordable unlimited data plans at £16 per month on a 24-month contract. Smarty provides similar value with unlimited data for £20 monthly, often running promotions that reduce the price to £15-16 for new customers.

For those with moderate data needs, several budget-friendly options include:

• Spusu Mobile (EE network): 16GB for £3.00 monthly (first three months)
• O2: 10GB for £6.99 monthly (12-month contract)
• Three: 30GB for £7.00 monthly (12-month contract)

Family plans and shared data options

Families looking for cost-effective solutions have several options to consider. Tesco Mobile’s Family Perks scheme stands out, offering free monthly benefits such as extra data, bill discounts, or additional minutes for households with multiple contracts.

Business solutions

Business users requiring high data usage can benefit from various enterprise-focused plans:

• EE: Unlimited 5G data starting at £32 monthly (24-month contract)
• O2: Unlimited data for £31 monthly (24-month contract)
• Vodafone: Plans ranging from £30 to £36 monthly with various data allowances

For cost-conscious businesses, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Smarty and ASDA Mobile offer competitive pricing with plans starting from £19 monthly on 12-24 month contracts. Vodafone’s business solutions particularly excel in providing reliable coverage in high-traffic areas such as station platforms, stadiums, and festival grounds.

Additional plan features

When selecting a plan, consider these value-added features:

• Network quality and local coverage
• Contract flexibility
• Inclusive extras (such as entertainment subscriptions)
• Roaming capabilities
• Customer support quality

It’s worth noting that while unlimited data plans offer maximum flexibility, they may not be necessary for all users. Many consumers find that mid-tier data packages provide sufficient allowance for their needs at a more attractive price point.

Urban vs rural 5g coverage analysis

The deployment of 5G networks across the UK reveals significant disparities between urban and rural areas, with coverage and performance varying considerably between different regions and network providers.

Urban coverage and performance

Urban areas in the UK enjoy substantially better 5G coverage, with approximately 20.9% of cellular network connections utilizing 5G technology. Major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham benefit from extensive coverage and faster speeds, particularly through providers like Three and EE. Three consistently delivers the fastest 5G speeds in urban areas, often achieving speeds nearly double that of competitors.

Rural coverage challenges

The situation in rural areas presents a stark contrast, with only 10.4% of connections operating on 5G. Nearly half (46%) of rural deprived areas are classified as 5G ”not spots,” compared to just 2.7% of urban deprived areas. Vodafone has committed to addressing this digital divide by aiming to provide 95% of the UK population with 5G standalone coverage by 2030.

Regional variations

Several regions face particular challenges in 5G connectivity:

• Scotland and Wales experience significantly lower coverage rates
• East Anglia shows limited 5G availability outside major towns
• Cumbria faces geographical challenges affecting network deployment
• The South-West requires substantial infrastructure development

These regional disparities highlight the ongoing challenge of achieving uniform 5G coverage across the UK. According to recent studies, between 41% and 55% of the UK’s landmass currently has 5G coverage from at least one operator, demonstrating the significant work still needed to achieve comprehensive national coverage.

Provider performance by region

Different providers show varying strengths across urban and rural environments:

• EE leads in urban coverage reliability and consistent performance
• Three dominates urban speed tests but has more limited rural presence
• Vodafone demonstrates strong commitment to rural expansion
• O2 shows balanced performance across both settings, though with generally lower speeds

Future of 5G networks in the UK: What to expect in 2024 and beyond

The future of 5G networks in the UK is set for significant expansion and technological advancement, with major developments planned for 2024 and beyond. Network providers and government initiatives are working together to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure.

5G standalone network expansion

By the end of 2024, telecom operators are rolling out 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks to more than 30 major towns and cities across the UK. EE leads this initiative with plans to achieve at least 95% outdoor coverage in each location, significantly enhancing network performance for video calls, streaming, and gaming in high-traffic areas.

Looking further ahead, Vodafone has committed to providing 95% of the UK population with 5G standalone coverage by 2030, extending to 99% by 2034. This ambitious target particularly focuses on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Government investment and research initiatives

The UK government is actively supporting 5G development through substantial investments:

• A £110 million R&D package for next-generation 5G and 6G wireless technology research
• Nearly £400 million for the Open Networks Programme
• £500 million pledged in the Autumn Budget 2024 for improving reliable broadband and mobile coverage

Technological innovations

Several cutting-edge technologies are being implemented to enhance 5G capabilities across the UK. Three’s network leads in speed innovation, while cloud-native architectures and Open RAN solutions are being deployed to optimize network performance and efficiency.

Economic impact and business transformation

The expansion of 5G networks is projected to boost UK business revenues by up to £15.7 billion by 2025. This growth will primarily benefit sectors such as:

• Distribution and logistics
• Manufacturing
• Professional services
• Business services

With these developments, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in digital infrastructure, setting the stage for innovative applications in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and smart city technologies.

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