What's Happening to 5G?

5G is the successor to 4G, aiming for wider coverage, better speeds of up to 100x faster than current 4G, and overall better reliability.

The Problem: Lampposts

The rollout has been significantly stalled, and the culprit is lampposts.

The original plan was to install a 5G mast on every lamppost, ensuring great coverage across the country. Since this was announced, there has been mass controversy over who actually owns the lampposts, whether local government, landlords, or private companies, and how much rent landlords should be able to charge mobile operators for installing transmitters.

This ongoing dispute has stalled installations and is jeopardising the government's pledge to get 15 million premises connected to 5G by 2025.

What This Means for Business

Mobile phone manufacturers are already building 5G transmitters into their flagship devices. Businesses should start planning for a 5G future even if the rollout is delayed:

• Assess whether your current broadband and mobile connectivity meets your needs
• Consider whether fixed 5G could replace traditional leased line connections in future
• Speak to your IT provider about a connectivity review

Module IT can help you review your business connectivity and plan for the next generation of networking.