What is 5G mobile broadband?
5G mobile broadband means that your mobile broadband that can utilise the 5G network. If you don’t have a mobile broadband that supports 5G, you can only use the 4G and 3G networks (however, the 3G network will be shut down in 2025).
A 5G mobile broadband can be used at home as a replacement for fixed broadband. For instance, if you are unable to access fibre broadband at home, a a 5G broadband could be a good alternative, as long as there is 5G network coverage where you live.
To use the 5G network, your equipment, such as a router and computer, must also support 5G.
5G broadband, 5G mobile broadband and 5G home broadband – what’s the difference?
In reality, there is no difference between these three types of broadband; they are all mobile broadband with 5G support. Providers may use all the different terms in their marketing, which can make it somewhat confusing.
Some providers differentiate between 5G mobile broadband and 5G home broadband depending on the type of device you purchase with the broadband. If you want a broadband that is truly mobile so you can easily take it with you when travelling, you can purchase the broadband along with a mobile WiFi router (MiFi) or dongle.
If, however, you want a 5G mobile broadband as a replacement for fibre broadband, you can choose to purchase the broadband along with a stationary router that must be plugged into a power outlet. This is the option often referred to as 5G home broadband. When you order that type of broadband, you may also need to enter your address to check if it’s available to you, whereas mobile broadband can be purchased no matter where you live.
Pros of 5G mobile broadband
- Higher speeds
- Shorter response times
- Capacity for more devices
Cons of 5G mobile broadband
- Limited network coverage and availability
- May be more expensive than 4G options
Things to consider before ordering mobile broadband via 5G
- Decide which type of router you want. If you want to take your mobile 5G broadband with you, choose a MiFi router or dongle. If you plan to use the broadband as a replacement for fixed broadband at home, you can instead purchase a more robust router that plugs into the power socket at home.
- Ensure your equipment supports 5G. Check that the devices you intend to use the mobile broadband with, as well as any router, support 5G.
- Check that there is 5G network coverage where you live. The 5G network is still being developed, so network coverage is not yet as widespread as the 4G network. Therefore, check the providers’ network coverage maps to ensure you can actually utilise the 5G network.
How fast is 5G broadband?
In theory, it is possible to use data at 10 Gbps on the 5G network if the network coverage is excellent and other conditions are favourable. Ordinary consumers, however, are highly unlikely to reach such high speeds.
Many of the providers offering mobile broadband with 5G state approximately 150–200 Mbps as the typical speed in the 5G network. For comparison, the average speed for 4G is around 10–40 Mbps.
The difference between 5G and 5G Standalone Access
More and more providers are using the 5G technology known as 5G Standalone Access or 5G SA, which, as the name suggests, is completely independent of 4G. This differs from the 5G technology that was first launched (and to some extent is still used), known as 5G NSA (non-standalone access). But even if your provider has launched 5G SA, it is not certain that all their services support the technology. It cannot be guaranteed that 5G SA is available in every single location
Benefits of 5G Standalone
- Higher speeds
- Improved response times for gaming and streaming
- More reliable network coverage in densely populated areas
- Longer battery life
To access 5G Standalone, you need a device and a SIM card that are compatible with the technology. You may also need to have a certain type of subscription with your provider. Finally, you must be in an area where 5G Standalone is available.
Which 5G mobile broadband is the cheapest?
Vodafone 5G Mobile Hotspot is the cheapest 5G mobile broadband right now (checked on 26/02/2026). The cost is £10/month when you sign a 24-month contract.
Is 5G mobile broadband better than fibre?
Fibre broadband is still a better option than 5G broadband for home broadband. Fibre offers high speeds, and since the fibre cables are buried underground, the broadband is not as affected by weather and other external factors.
If you are unable to get fibre broadband at home, or if you want to take your broadband with you whilst travelling, mobile broadband via 5G can be a good alternative. However, this assumes that there is 5G network coverage where you live or where you plan to use the mobile broadband the most.
Frequently asked questions about 5G mobile broadband
Yes, there are several providers that offer unlimited 5G broadband. Vodafone, Three, EE and O2 are some of them.
If you want to share the broadband with multiple users, a router is required, and to access data on 5G, it must be a 5G router. If it’s only you using the broadband on a specific device, no router is needed provided the device has a SIM card slot; otherwise, a router or dongle is required.
You can definitely use 5G mobile broadband at home. However, we always recommend getting fibre if the broadband is only going to be used at home. But if you don’t have the option to get fibre broadband yet, mobile broadband via 5G can be a good alternative.
Some mobile broadband with 5G support can be used abroad. However, you may need to pay extra to use the broadband abroad, so check with your provider for the applicable terms before you travel. In the table at the top of the page, you can choose to display only the providers that offer data in EU countries for their mobile broadband.
Whether it’s worth buying 5G broadband depends entirely on your needs. If having the fastest possible mobile broadband is important to you, it is definitely worth it. It can also be a very good option for those who cannot access fibre broadband (provided there is 5G network coverage where you live).
