What is 5G?

Discover everything you need to know about 5G - available free of charge for all iD Mobile customers:

5G is the next generation of mobile network technology, following on from the already speedy 4G. On 5G, you'll get even faster data speeds, better connectivity in busy places, and less buffering when watching films or making video calls.

5G runs on bandwidth that’s faster and wider than ever before. In fact, it offers up to five times the bandwidth of a 4G connection – that’s why it’s so speedy! Even better, 5G has a much larger data capacity than 3G or 4G. 5G on iD Mobile can support around 1000 more phones per metre than 4G, so you’ll get a much stronger signal in crowded places. Think of 5G like a motorway with hundreds of lanes. There’d never be any traffic and everything would flow smoothly. That’s exactly what using 5G is like.

To enjoy super-fast 5G, you need to be in a 5G area with a 5G capable phone. Once you have all these, you’ll see the 5G icon at the top of your screen, next to the signal bar. Hooray – you’re on speedy 5G! If you’re on Wi-Fi, the 5G icon may not appear. Make sure you’re disconnected from Wi-Fi before checking your 5G status. In areas without 5G, your phone will automatically connect to the next best thing: 4G. It will reconnect to 5G when you’re back in a 5G area. Phew.

You might well be! iD Mobile 5G is available in over 400 locations across the UK. Use our handy coverage checker to find out if you’re in a 5G area.

Not necessarily. You’ll use the same amount of data as on 4G, but because 5G is so speedy, you might end up using your phone (and data) more. As an example, if you were to download a 3GB film, it’d take around 1 hour 8 minutes on 3G or about 40 minutes on 4G. With 5G, it’d take around 35 seconds – that’s a huge difference!

You could download tons of films on 5G in the same time it’d take to download one on 4G. That’s why, theoretically, you might end up using more of your data on 5G. It all depends on your use.

5G works the same as 4G and 3G, meaning you’ll get the same amount of data (but might use it faster). Whether you run out or not depends on your plan’s data allowance and how you use your phone. If you’re worried about it, make sure you keep an eye on your data consumption.

Log into the iD Mobile app or My Account Online to view your remaining data allowance. Alternatively, choose a plan with unlimited data so you can focus on the important stuff. Like winning that virtual race.

• How do I view my remaining allowances? F.A.Q.

Yes. 5G follows the same health and safety guidelines as 4G, 3G, and 2G, so we can assure you that it’s safe to use. Ofcom carries out extensive tests to ensure mobile phone signals are emitted in safe levels for people to use.