Although there aren’t the same issues present in the UK because mobile network providers are using lower frequencies closer to those of 3G and 4G, there is a trade-off in the difference between fixed broadband and mobile. Data services through 5G are likely to be capped at a certain point, and are unlikely to be a cheaper alternative to fibre for consumers in the long-run; so if you are a frequent internet user, for now it probably isn’t a viable long-term option. In built up areas, high 5G demand could also mean a base station on every street, James Barford, analyst at Enders, claims. Offering unlimited data may be unrealistic in the long term for companies too, Barford argues. “That’s fine in year one of your 5G network because it’s not full capacity, but by 2035 we think it will be full again.” If 5G works well where people live that’s great, Lee argues, but if not “it’s problematic”. “If there isn’t too much competition for connectivity in the area that will be fine. But in 10 years’ time it won’t be.”
5G could provide broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps potentially replacing traditional connections for 85% of the UK’s 26m fixed line customers according to research released by mobile broadband operator Three last year. The UK’s underserved population, comprising largely of students and renters, want a portable plug-in solution according to Ros Singleton, MD of UK broadband at Three. Singleton predicted 5G coverage will be good enough for it to become a serious contender compared with fixed line services within a year. However, many disagree, and none of Three’s major rivals have publicly supported Singleton’s view, “it’s still early days in FTTP” Richard Allwood, chief strategy officer at Openreach said. “While we are not yet convinced that 5G is going to deliver on its promise to bring us gigabit speeds, there has been no shortage of evidence from other countries showing how quickly this technology