Technology and Innovation
5G
Vodafone is a world leader in 5G technology, continually expanding connectivity and improving services.
For smartphone and smart device users, 5G enables improved performance — no lag, no patch connectivity and superfast, stable downloads on the move.
It also supports the growth and development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology—millions of devices seamlessly connected and sharing data through a single super-fast network.
By utilising the power of 5G, we hope to build an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all.
Fast
5G is up to 10 times faster than 4G, designed to operate at average speeds of 150-200Mbps. Peak speeds can reach over 1Gbps
Low latency
There is virtually no lag time when using a device connected to a 5G network
Huge capacity
5G can handle lots of people and devices accessing the network simultaneously, even in crowded areas like cities or big events
5G and safety
Vodafone takes the safety of our customers, the public and the environment very seriously. We comply with national regulations in all markets and will continue to do so across the range of new 5G devices and new radio masts.
5G is safe to use. 5G frequencies are covered by existing international and national exposure guidelines and regulations for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF).
Benefits of 5G
Connect the IoT and enable connected cars and driverless cars to operate safely
Enable the development of smart cities
Power future tech like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Enable the future of healthcare—imagine remote surgery being carried out across huge distances in almost real-time
Support emergency rescue operations and connect healthcare drones
Stream and download content faster and without interruptions or buffering delays
The Face of 5G
Why 5G matters
5G Standalone (5GSA) – ‘real 5G’ where advanced equipment is used in the network core as well as the antennas – could be the catalyst for a new era of competitiveness and growth.
Just as 4G unlocked the mobile internet for consumers, 5GSA will unlock the industrial internet, transforming machine-to-machine communication and enabling the Industrial Internet of Things to progress from fantasy to reality. This promises to improve productivity across all sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare.
But Europe is falling behind. Only through regulatory change can we move into a situation where the necessary investment can be attracted, enabling operators to roll 5GSA out at pace.
Reimagining business with Mobile Private Networks
Unlock the potential in your next generation business through the power of Mobile Private Networks (MPN) and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC). This powerful combination delivers secure, real-time 5G connectivity and computing from the network edge, even in previously unconnected locations.
The MPN Advantage
Private/reserved coverage
Guaranteed capacity through dedicated connectivity reserved for your company devices
Cloud compute (distributed MEC)
Enables low-latency/ultra-reliable low-latency (URLL) applications
Assured SLAs
High availability to improve performance and minimise downtime
Connection density
A scalable solution that allows the connection of thousands of devices across the site
Security
Enhanced data security by keeping your data within your site
Local compute (dedicated MEC)
Allows URLL cloud-based applications to be located in customer premises
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FAQs
Where can I get 5G?
Accessing 5G as a consumer or business requires a 5G device with a 5G plan in an area that is covered by a Vodafone 5G network.
Vodafone currently offers commercial 5G services in 12 countries and will continue to expand that offering. At the same time, our 4G networks are being upgraded with technology that is bringing our customers some of the benefits of 5G sooner.
5G coverage and reliability
Vodafone is taking the largest international 4G network and putting it on 5G. Network slicing on 5G will enable it to be reliably deployed to specific critical applications such as cars, emergency vehicles, factories and hospitals.
5G device support
5G is expected to support up to 1 million connected devices per 1 square kilometre, compared to around 2,000 connected devices per 1 square kilometre with 4G.1 This will be vital for the Internet of Things era, where lots of additional devices like cars and commercial drones will eventually be connected to mobile networks.
How fast is 5G?
5G can reach speeds of up to 10 times faster than 4G. 5G works best at average speeds of 150-200Mbps, and peak speeds can reach above 1Gbps.
By comparison, 4G works at average speeds of 23-35Mbps.
For example, a full HD film could be downloaded in less than 3 minutes on a 5G network, as opposed to around 15 on a 4G network.
5G speeds can vary and depend on multiple factors.
5G has significantly lower latency of <20 milliseconds (ms) for some consumer applications (e.g. gaming or augmented reality) and <5ms for ultra-low latency applications (e.g. in smart factories).
Is 5G cost-efficient to deliver?
5G is more than ten times more cost-efficient than 4G in radio cost of delivery.