5G phones in UK: Which devices, cities and networks allow 5G technology?

5G has the capacity to transform everything from better business communications to driverless cars

EE has become the first operator to launch its highly anticipated 5G network in the UK.

The provider upgraded its network to 5G in five major UK cities, with more expected to follow before the end of the year.

Vodafone also announced it will launch 5G across 7 cities in the UK on July 3.

Several handsets from Samsung, OnePlus, LG, HTC and Oppo are currently certified for 5G usage. However, EE confirmed it will be suspending sales of 5G handsets from Huawei following ongoing tensions between the US and the Chinese tech giant.

EE’s chief executive Marc Allera said during a press conference: “Until we get the information and confidence that gives us the long term surety that our customers, when they buy those devices, are going to be supported for the lifetime they’ve got the device with us…we’ve put those devices on pause.”

5G has been heralded as the next stage in mobile technology, with the ability to power businesses, improve our homes and spearhead advances such as driverless cars.

But what is 5G and why does it have the capacity to change so much?

What is 5G technology?

The power of 5G will herald in the smart cities of the future
AFP/Getty Images

5G technology is the next generation in mobile networks. Like 3G and 4G before it, 5G is expected to be better and more powerful than what we’re used to.

The new technology will use higher frequencies than the likes of 4G, offering more speed and higher bandwidth.

If all goes well, 5G could potentially spell the end of Wi-Fi, particularly in public places, as the network will be strong enough to facilitate all the mobile internet browsing you could possibly want, from watching shows on Netflix to being able to scroll Instagram without interference.

As well, because the network will have a bigger capacity than 4G, it means that thousands of devices in a small area can be connected at the same time.

Ever been in a big crowd, say at a festival, and unable to use WhatsApp? 5G should lead to the end of those offline periods.

Which networks will allow 5G technology?

PA

EE became the first company to roll out its 5G coverage on Thursday 30 May and hopes to achieve full distribution by 2022.

The first cities to receive 5G coverage under EE include London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. However, it is going to take a while until we see full 5G coverage, with EE hoping to achieve full distribution by 2022.

O2 has said four test cities, London, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, will get 5G in 2019, with other areas of the country receiving coverage from next year.

As Vodafone won the largest block of spectrum in the 5G auction last year, it has been holding trials in several different cities, including Birmingham New Street Station, creating the UK’s first 5G train station.

Earlier this year, Theresa May granted Huawei permission to use their equipment in the UK’s 5G network, despite long-standing concerns over the potential security risk the firm poses. However, the Prime Minister’s recent resignation announcement means things are now less clear.

Are there any 5G phones yet?

At this year's Mobile World Congress, every smartphone maker had some form of 5G phone on display.

Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G a week earlier, though the company was keen to show off the new device. Conor Pierce, corporate VP for Samsung UK and Ireland, told the Standard: “I think when you have common ground and reliable connection to 5G, I think that will allow us to engage in different ways - it's the beginning of a new era for the way we live our lives.”

So far, OnePlus, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Huawei have all unveiled their respective versions of 5G smartphones. In general, these devices are slightly bigger than their 4G counterparts in order to accommodate the new modems that will enable them to connect to 5G networks.

The Huawei Mate 20 X 5G and Samsung Galaxy S10 5G - the first 5G smartphones from the two tech giants

As well, Samsung's 5G phone, in particular, has a bigger battery that will enable people to watch content and play all the games they want on the go thanks to those fast 5G speeds.

The other benefits 5G will bring

With all these powerful internet connections around, it’s likely there will be even more internet of things (IoT) devices taking advantage of this.

Driverless cars is one area where we could really see the benefit of better internet.

According to the World Economic Forum: “By making driving, mapping and video data available in real-time, 5G will extend the ability of vehicles to perceive their environment beyond line of site, though robust vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure connectivity to coordinate to improve traffic safety, efficiency, and flow.”

Furthermore, 5G could even power things such as drones being used to deliver medical supplies.

BT said 5G speeds can help with "advanced disaster recovery services using drones, such as delivery of equipment, medicine, food, water and blood."

There are also some more general things 5G will improve in our day-to-day lives. According to O2’s smart cities report, 5G could save households up to £450 a year on bills ranging from energy to food and council.

Things like smart fridges will reduce food bills, a 5G-enabled smart grid will cut down on your energy bills, and if councils take advantage of smart refuse collection, the costs saved here could be passed on to homes.

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