Vodafone’s 5G network has been activated in several cities and towns.
Vodafone’s 5G service is now available, and the network has been keen to push two important messages: that it offers unlimited data plans with 5G, and that it is the first to provide roaming (5G in other countries).
You don’t have to pay more for 5G services than 4G. However, the initial 5G handsets (see above) are more costly to sign up for than their 4G counterparts.
As the service expands to more regions, we’ll keep you updated on Vodafone 5G.
What is 5G?
5G is an extension of 4G. It adds another layer to it. 3G will eventually be turned off. However, 2G (for voice and low-level devices like smart meters) and 5G will remain active.
5G has low latency (lag), which is great for online games and offers vastly improved speeds. You’ll be able to download files in half the time.
Vodafone 5G is available where?
Vodafone 5G is now available across more than 100 UK cities and towns. This is less than other networks, so we expect Vodafone to soon announce additional locations. Here is the complete coverage list:
Aberdeen, Alexandria, Ambleside, Aughton (Sth Yorks), Basingstoke, Bebington, Belfast, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Bishopbriggs, Blaydon, Bolton, Bootle, Bournemouth, Bradford, Bristol, Bristol Airport, Cardiff, Cheadle and Gatley, Cheltenham, Chesterfield, Clydebank, Crawley (West Sussex), Crosby, Dewsbury, Dinas Powys, Droylsden, Dudley (West Midlands), Dundee, Eccles, Edinburgh, Eston, and South Bank, Felling. Gateshead. Glasgow. Gloucester. Gosforth (Tyne & Wear), Guildford., Hebburn. Helensburgh. Horwich. Huyton-with-Roby. Inner London. Isles of Scilly. Jarrow. Kingston upon Hull. Kingswood. Kingswood. Liverpool. Manchester. Mangotsfield. Middlesbrough. Morley. Newbury. Newbury. Newbury. Newtownabbey.
Vodafone uses mid-band 5G, just like other UK networks. The network received 40MHz more spectrum in the 3.6GHz band during the 2021 Ofcom spectrum auction. Vodafone claims it is happy with its 90 MHz spectrum holdings of the 3.4-3.6GHz spectrum. O2 has also swapped some range with Vodafone to make sure it has enough spectrum. Vodafone plans to use this spectrum and its 900 MHz spectrum already owned by O2 to provide nationwide coverage for 5G.
Ahmed Essam is the chief executive at Vodafone UK. He stated that “This auction means that we will have spectrum we need for the roll-out 5G to customers, bringing high-speed connectivity and opening up new possibilities for products and services.”
Vodafone and O2 have been working together to create a 5G network that will bring 5G faster to rural areas. They already collaborate on network-sharing and manage a joint venture to manage network sites.
Vodafone 5G broadband: What do you think?
Vodafone has announced the Huawei-made 5G Gigacube, for home and business broadband at £30 per month.
For an 18-month contract, those who sign up will get 100GB data per month for £30, 200GB for £40, and unlimited data for £50 each month. The initial costs for these plans will be £100. After that, they will drop to £50.
For those who want more flexibility, a 30-day contract is available with 100GB, 200GB, and Unlimited storage for £50. This contract comes with a £325 upfront payment.
Vodafone Together offers mobile and home broadband over cellular, as well as a free Amazon Echo Plus worth £47 per month. You get unlimited data (within reason) and Vodafone OneNumber to make phone calls via the Echo.
Vodafone 5G: How fast?
It is challenging to discuss speeds because of so many variables. Different devices have different capabilities, and different locations yield different speeds. Some users are experiencing speeds that exceed the current home broadband, some speeds exceeding 100Mbps.
We were able to see a speed test of 900Mbps at Vodafone’s Newbury HQ, where 5G is being deployed. But, it was perfect conditions. We were standing on top of a parking lot in view of the mast.
Our experience shows that most users receive between 100 and 200Mbps under real-world conditions.
Scott Petty is Vodafone’s chief technology officer. He believes we will experience data speeds 10 times faster than 4G in the next few years.
Petty says that 5G is more efficient than 4G. Petty says that each antenna is 64 transmit antennas and 64 receive antennas, compared to the current one. This pipe can hold a lot of data and 5G will be the preferred connectivity method in the future. 5G is a journey and not a destination.
What are the Vodafone 5G Tariffs?
Vodafone offers many 5G phones from Apple, Motorola and Oppo, and Samsung, Sony Xiaomi, Sony, and other brands.
Vodafone launched 5G at the same price as 4G on Unlimited plans and Red plans. It was also the first to offer roaming 5G in select countries.
Three new unlimited data plans are available for 5G and 4G.
Vodafone Unlimited Max: Available at £30 per month, this plan will provide unlimited mobile access at speeds that are as fast as your device and network will permit.
Vodafone Unlimited: For as low as £26 per month, it offers HD streaming speeds up to 10Mbps.
Vodafone Unlimited Lite: This monthly service costs £22 and is meant for online chat and social. It only offers speeds up to 2Mbps, which is relatively slow. We don’t recommend this service.
Customers can add entertainment packs to their plans (any Unlimited or Red-20GB tariff) for just £6 per month. You can get Spotify, Amazon Prime Video or Sky Sports Mobile, as well as Now TV.
Vodafone customers also get three months of free access to the Hatch gaming services as part of these tariffs.
Vodafone has introduced Vodafone Evo, a new tariff that allows for flexible upgrades.
Vodafone Red also offers 5G at no additional cost. It includes unlimited voice minutes and larger data allowances. They are called Red 1 (1GB), Red 2 (5GB),£, and Red 3 (20GB), £20. There are no speed restrictions.
All the details about the offers are available on Vodafone’s website.
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